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An open ablation of one or more liver tumors involves a surgical procedure where tumors located in the liver are targeted for destruction. This procedure is performed through a midline incision in the abdomen, allowing the surgeon to access the liver directly. During the operation, any adhesions that may obstruct access to the liver are carefully lysed, which involves both blunt and sharp dissection techniques. The abdominal cavity is thoroughly inspected to identify any extrahepatic tumors or other abnormalities that may be present. Once the liver is mobilized, all eight hepatic segments are examined to locate the tumors. In the context of CPT® Code 47381, cryosurgical ablation is specifically utilized to treat the liver tumors. This technique involves the insertion of one or more cryoprobes into the tumor, which initiates a freeze cycle that creates an ice ball around the tumor. The freezing process is critical as it effectively destroys the tumor tissue. After the freeze cycle, the tissue is thawed, and the site is monitored to ensure complete destruction of the tumor along with a margin of healthy tissue. It is important to note that multiple freeze-thaw cycles may be necessary to achieve total necrosis of the tumor. This procedure is repeated for each tumor until all targeted tumors have been successfully ablated. Following the completion of the ablation, any gas within the abdomen is released, and the surgical instruments are removed before closing the portal incisions.
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The procedure is indicated for the treatment of liver tumors, which may include various types of neoplasms that require ablation to prevent further growth or metastasis. The specific indications for performing cryosurgical ablation of liver tumors include:
The procedure for cryosurgical ablation of liver tumors involves several critical steps to ensure effective treatment. The following procedural steps are outlined:
After the cryosurgical ablation procedure, patients are typically monitored for any immediate complications. Post-procedure care may include pain management and observation for signs of infection or other adverse effects. Patients may be advised on activity restrictions and follow-up appointments to assess recovery and monitor for any recurrence of tumors. The expected recovery time can vary based on individual patient factors and the extent of the procedure performed.
| Short Descr | OPEN ABLATE LIVER TUMOR CRYO | Medium Descr | ABLTJ OPN 1/> LVR TUM CRYOSURG | Long Descr | Ablation, open, of 1 or more liver tumor(s); cryosurgical | 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 | 99 - Other OR gastrointestinal therapeutic procedures |
| 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). | 80 | Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s). | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | XS | Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure |
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| 2010-01-01 | Changed | Code description changed. |
| 2002-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 2002. |
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