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Official Description

Laparoscopy, surgical; proctectomy, combined abdominoperineal pull-through procedure (eg, colo-anal anastomosis), with creation of colonic reservoir (eg, J-pouch), with diverting enterostomy, when performed

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 45397 refers to a laparoscopic surgical procedure known as proctectomy, which involves the removal of the rectum and is performed in conjunction with a combined abdominoperineal pull-through procedure. This specific procedure includes the creation of a colonic reservoir, commonly referred to as a J-pouch, and may also involve the establishment of a diverting enterostomy when indicated. The laparoscopic approach utilizes small incisions, typically starting with a portal incision near the umbilicus, through which a trocar is inserted to establish pneumoperitoneum, allowing for the inflation of the abdominal cavity. Additional incisions are made to facilitate the insertion of more trocars, enabling the surgeon to inspect the abdominal cavity thoroughly. During the procedure, the sigmoid colon is mobilized and retracted, and critical structures such as the left ureter are identified and protected. The inferior mesenteric artery and vein are isolated, ligated, and transected to facilitate the removal of the rectum and surrounding mesentery. The rectum is then excised en bloc through a circular incision made in the perineum. Following the removal, a segment of the colon is selected to be fashioned into a reservoir, which is then folded back on itself to create the J-pouch. This pouch is sutured closed and positioned within the pelvis, where it is subsequently anastomosed to the anal mucosa. If a diverting enterostomy is performed, the necessary steps are taken to create a stoma, allowing for the diversion of intestinal contents. This comprehensive procedure is designed to restore bowel continuity and function while minimizing recovery time and complications associated with traditional open surgery.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure described by CPT® Code 45397 is indicated for patients requiring surgical intervention for conditions affecting the rectum and lower gastrointestinal tract. The specific indications include:

  • Rectal Cancer - Surgical removal of the rectum may be necessary for malignancies located in this area.
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease - Conditions such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease may necessitate proctectomy when medical management is insufficient.
  • Familial Adenomatous Polyposis - Patients with this genetic condition may require proctectomy to prevent the development of colorectal cancer.
  • Severe Rectal Dysfunction - Conditions leading to significant impairment of rectal function may warrant surgical intervention.

2. Procedure

The procedure involves several critical steps, each essential for the successful completion of the laparoscopic proctectomy with colonic reservoir creation:

  • Step 1: Establishing Access - A small portal incision is made near the umbilicus, and a trocar is inserted to establish pneumoperitoneum. Additional portal incisions are made in the upper and lower quadrants of the abdomen, allowing for the placement of more trocars to facilitate access to the abdominal cavity.
  • Step 2: Inspection and Mobilization - The abdominal cavity is inspected, and the sigmoid colon is retracted medially and mobilized along the line of Toldt to the splenic flexure. The left ureter is identified and protected during this process.
  • Step 3: Dissection and Ligation - The sigmoid mesentery is incised at the pelvic brim, and the inferior mesenteric artery and vein are isolated, ligated, and transected to prepare for the removal of the rectum.
  • Step 4: Proctectomy - The rectum and surrounding mesentery are freed from their pelvic and abdominal attachments. The colon is clamped and divided at the level of the sigmoid junction. A circular incision is made in the perineum, allowing for the en bloc delivery of the rectum and mesentery through this incision.
  • Step 5: Creation of the Colonic Reservoir - The segment of colon designated for the reservoir is identified and mobilized. The colon is folded back on itself to create the J-pouch, which is then sutured together. The anti-mesenteric border is incised parallel to the suture line to open the pouch and expose the mucosa.
  • Step 6: Anastomosis - The pouch is closed and positioned in the pelvis. Sutures are placed around the circumference of the anus to prepare for the anastomosis, where the anal mucosa and the colon are sutured together.
  • Step 7: Diverting Enterostomy (if required) - If a diverting enterostomy is indicated, the enterostomy site is selected, and the abdomen is incised. The intestinal segment is mobilized and transected, with the distal segment closed and the proximal segment brought out through the stoma incision. The intestine is then everted and sutured to the skin and subcutaneous tissue.
  • Step 8: Closure - The procedure is completed by placing drains in the abdomen and closing the portal incisions. A stoma appliance is placed as necessary.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care following a laparoscopic proctectomy with colonic reservoir creation involves monitoring for complications and ensuring proper recovery. Patients may require pain management and will be monitored for signs of infection or complications related to the surgical site. Recovery typically includes a gradual return to normal diet and activity, with specific instructions provided regarding stoma care if a diverting enterostomy was performed. Follow-up appointments are essential to assess healing and function of the anastomosis and reservoir, as well as to manage any potential complications that may arise during the recovery period.

Short Descr LAP REMOVE RECTUM W/POUCH
Medium Descr LAPS PROCTECTOMY COMBINED PULL-THRU W/RESERVOIR
Long Descr Laparoscopy, surgical; proctectomy, combined abdominoperineal pull-through procedure (eg, colo-anal anastomosis), with creation of colonic reservoir (eg, J-pouch), with diverting enterostomy, when performed
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

This is a primary code that can be used with these additional add-on codes.

49327 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 Laparoscopy, surgical; with placement of interstitial device(s) for radiation therapy guidance (eg, fiducial markers, dosimeter), intra-abdominal, intrapelvic, and/or retroperitoneum, including imaging guidance, if performed, single or multiple (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
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).
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.)
80 Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s).
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
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
Date
Action
Notes
2011-01-01 Changed Short description changed.
2006-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 2006.
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