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CPT®
46937

CPT® Code 46937
Deleted

Official Description

Cryosurgery of rectal tumor; benign

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

CPT® Code 46937 refers to the procedure of cryosurgery specifically for the treatment of benign rectal tumors. Cryosurgery is a minimally invasive technique that utilizes extreme cold to destroy or reduce the size of abnormal tissue. In this procedure, the physician employs liquid nitrogen, which is a cryogenic agent, to freeze the tumor. This freezing process effectively targets the tumor cells while preserving the surrounding healthy tissue, thereby minimizing collateral damage. The application of a cryoprobe, which can be either placed directly on the tumor's surface or inserted into the tumor itself, allows for precise delivery of the freezing agent. As the liquid nitrogen circulates through the probe, it super cools the tip, creating an ice ball that engulfs the tumor. The physician monitors the temperature of the tissue to ensure it reaches the necessary level for effective treatment. Once the desired freezing effect is achieved, the probe is deactivated, and the tissue is allowed to thaw. It is important to note that multiple freeze-thaw cycles may be necessary to ensure complete destruction or significant reduction of the tumor. This procedure is specifically coded as 46937 for benign tumors, while a different code, 46938, is designated for malignant tumors.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure of cryosurgery for rectal tumors is indicated for specific conditions that warrant intervention. The following are the explicitly provided indications for performing this procedure:

  • Benign Rectal Tumors The primary indication for CPT® Code 46937 is the presence of benign tumors located in the rectal area. These tumors may cause symptoms or discomfort that necessitate treatment.

2. Procedure

The cryosurgery procedure for benign rectal tumors involves several critical steps to ensure effective treatment. The following procedural steps outline the process:

  • Step 1: Preparation The physician prepares the patient for the procedure, which may include obtaining informed consent and ensuring that the patient is in a comfortable position. The area around the rectum is cleaned and sterilized to minimize the risk of infection.
  • Step 2: Application of Cryoprobe The physician selects an appropriate cryoprobe and either places it directly on the surface of the benign rectal tumor or inserts it into the lesion. This step is crucial for delivering the cryogenic agent effectively to the targeted tissue.
  • Step 3: Freezing the Tumor Liquid nitrogen is circulated through the cryoprobe, super cooling the probe tip. As the probe is applied to the tumor, the surrounding tissue begins to freeze, forming an ice ball around the lesion. The physician monitors the size of the ice ball and the temperature of the tissue to ensure optimal freezing.
  • Step 4: Thawing Once the desired freezing effect is achieved, the cryoprobe is deactivated, and the frozen tissue is allowed to thaw. This thawing process is essential as it helps to facilitate the destruction of the tumor cells.
  • Step 5: Repeat Cycles Depending on the size and nature of the tumor, the physician may perform multiple freeze-thaw cycles. This repetition ensures that the tumor is adequately treated and that any remaining tumor cells are effectively destroyed.

3. Post-Procedure

After the cryosurgery procedure, the patient may be monitored for a short period to assess any immediate reactions or complications. Post-procedure care typically includes instructions for managing any discomfort or pain, which may be minimal due to the targeted nature of the treatment. The physician may recommend follow-up appointments to evaluate the effectiveness of the procedure and to monitor for any recurrence of the tumor. Patients are advised to report any unusual symptoms or complications that may arise during the recovery period.
Short Descr CRYOTHERAPY OF RECTAL LESION
Medium Descr CRYOTHERAPY OF RECTAL LESION
Long Descr CRYOSURG RCT TUM B9
APC Status Indicator Significant Procedure, Multiple Reduction Applies
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) none
MUE Not applicable/unspecified.
CCS Clinical Classification 95 - Other non-OR lower GI therapeutic procedures
Date
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Notes
2010-01-01 Deleted -
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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