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Official Description

Proctectomy; complete, combined abdominoperineal, with colostomy

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 45110 refers to a complete proctectomy, specifically a combined abdominoperineal resection, which is performed with the creation of a colostomy. This surgical intervention involves the removal of the rectum and a portion of the sigmoid colon, necessitating a midline incision in the abdomen to access the internal structures. During the operation, the surgeon identifies the proximal transection site, which may involve the sigmoid colon, and mobilizes both the sigmoid colon and rectum. A clamp is applied above the planned transection site to control blood flow. The procedure continues with an incision made in the perineum, where the outer layer of the rectal wall is divided in a circular manner. This allows for the rectum and its surrounding mesentery to be detached from their pelvic and abdominal attachments, enabling the entire structure to be removed en bloc through the perineal incision. After the rectum is excised, the perineal incision is closed, and the anal mucosa is sutured. A separate incision is then created to establish a stoma, through which the proximal segment of the colon is exteriorized. The colon is everted and sutured to the skin and subcutaneous tissue to secure the stoma. Finally, drains are placed in the abdominal cavity, the abdominal incision is closed, and a stoma appliance is applied to manage waste. This comprehensive procedure is typically indicated for conditions such as rectal cancer or severe inflammatory bowel disease, where removal of the rectum is necessary for patient health and well-being.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure described by CPT® Code 45110 is indicated for several specific conditions and circumstances that necessitate the removal of the rectum and a portion of the sigmoid colon. These indications include:

  • Rectal Cancer - The presence of malignant tumors in the rectum that require surgical intervention to prevent the spread of cancer.
  • Severe Inflammatory Bowel Disease - Conditions such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease that have not responded to medical management and where surgical removal of the affected bowel is necessary.
  • Rectal Prolapse - A condition where the rectum protrudes through the anus, which may require surgical correction.
  • Trauma - Injuries to the rectal area that necessitate surgical removal of damaged tissue.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 45110 involves several critical steps that ensure the complete removal of the rectum and the establishment of a colostomy. The steps are as follows:

  • Step 1: Abdominal Incision - A midline incision is made in the abdomen to allow for exploration and access to the internal structures. This incision provides the surgeon with the necessary visibility and space to perform the procedure effectively.
  • Step 2: Identification of Transection Site - The proximal transection site is identified, which may include the sigmoid colon. This step is crucial for determining where to clamp and transect the bowel.
  • Step 3: Mobilization of Colon and Rectum - The sigmoid colon and rectum are mobilized to facilitate their removal. A clamp is placed above the planned transection site to control blood flow during the procedure.
  • Step 4: Perineal Incision - An incision is made in the perineum, and the outer layer of the rectal wall is divided in a circular fashion. This allows for the rectum to be detached from its surrounding structures.
  • Step 5: Removal of Rectum and Mesentery - The rectum and surrounding mesentery are freed from their pelvic and abdominal attachments, allowing them to be delivered en bloc through the perineal incision.
  • Step 6: Closure of Perineal Incision - After the rectum is removed, the perineal incision is closed, and the anal mucosa is sutured to ensure proper healing.
  • Step 7: Creation of Stoma - A separate incision is made to create a stoma. The proximal segment of the colon is exteriorized through this incision.
  • Step 8: Eversion and Suturing of Colon - The colon is folded back on itself (everted) and sutured to the skin and subcutaneous tissue to secure the stoma in place.
  • Step 9: Placement of Drains - Drains are placed in the abdomen to prevent fluid accumulation and facilitate recovery.
  • Step 10: Closure of Abdominal Incision - The abdominal incision is then closed, completing the surgical procedure.
  • Step 11: Application of Stoma Appliance - Finally, a stoma appliance is placed to manage waste effectively following the creation of the colostomy.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care following a complete proctectomy with colostomy involves several important considerations. Patients are typically monitored for any signs of complications, such as infection or bleeding, in the days following surgery. Pain management is also a critical aspect of post-operative care, and patients may be prescribed analgesics to manage discomfort. Recovery may involve dietary adjustments, particularly in the initial weeks after surgery, as the body adapts to the new colostomy. Patients will receive education on stoma care, including how to change the stoma appliance and maintain hygiene. Follow-up appointments are essential to monitor healing and address any concerns related to the stoma or overall recovery. Additionally, patients may be referred to a dietitian or a stoma care nurse for further support and guidance during their recovery process.

Short Descr REMOVAL OF RECTUM
Medium Descr PRCTECT COMPL CMBN ABDOMINOPRNL W/CLST
Long Descr Proctectomy; complete, combined abdominoperineal, with colostomy
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 090 - Major Surgery
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 2 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery does not apply to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 1 - Co-surgeons could be paid, though supporting documentation is required...
Team Surgery (66) 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Inpatient Procedures, not paid under OPPS
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P1G - Major procedure - Other
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 78 - Colorectal resection
22 Increased procedural services: when the work required to provide a service is substantially greater than typically required, it may be identified by adding modifier 22 to the usual procedure code. documentation must support the substantial additional work and the reason for the additional work (ie, increased intensity, time, technical difficulty of procedure, severity of patient's condition, physical and mental effort required). note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
51 Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
52 Reduced services: under certain circumstances a service or procedure is partially reduced or eliminated at the discretion of the physician or other qualified health care professional. under these circumstances the service provided can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 52, signifying that the service is reduced. this provides a means of reporting reduced services without disturbing the identification of the basic service. note: for hospital outpatient reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well-being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
53 Discontinued procedure: under certain circumstances, the physician or other qualified health care professional may elect to terminate a surgical or diagnostic procedure. due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, it may be necessary to indicate that a surgical or diagnostic procedure was started but discontinued. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 53 to the code reported by the individual for the discontinued procedure. note: this modifier is not used to report the elective cancellation of a procedure prior to the patient's anesthesia induction and/or surgical preparation in the operating suite. for outpatient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
58 Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was: (a) planned or anticipated (staged); (b) more extensive than the original procedure; or (c) for therapy following a surgical procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 58 to the staged or related procedure. note: for treatment of a problem that requires a return to the operating/procedure room (eg, unanticipated clinical condition), see modifier 78.
59 Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25.
62 Two surgeons: when 2 surgeons work together as primary surgeons performing distinct part(s) of a procedure, each surgeon should report his/her distinct operative work by adding modifier 62 to the procedure code and any associated add-on code(s) for that procedure as long as both surgeons continue to work together as primary surgeons. each surgeon should report the co-surgery once using the same procedure code. if additional procedure(s) (including add-on procedure(s) are performed during the same surgical session, separate code(s) may also be reported with modifier 62 added. note: if a co-surgeon acts as an assistant in the performance of additional procedure(s), other than those reported with the modifier 62, during the same surgical session, those services may be reported using separate procedure code(s) with modifier 80 or modifier 82 added, as appropriate.
78 Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician or other qualified health care professional following initial procedure for a related procedure during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that another procedure was performed during the postoperative period of the initial procedure (unplanned procedure following initial procedure). when this procedure is related to the first, and requires the use of an operating/procedure room, it may be reported by adding modifier 78 to the related procedure. (for repeat procedures, see modifier 76.)
79 Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: the individual may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by using modifier 79. (for repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier 76.)
80 Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s).
81 Minimum assistant surgeon: minimum surgical assistant services are identified by adding modifier 81 to the usual procedure number.
82 Assistant surgeon (when qualified resident surgeon not available): the unavailability of a qualified resident surgeon is a prerequisite for use of modifier 82 appended to the usual procedure code number(s).
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
CC Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed)
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
GV Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
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