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Official Description

Suture of extrahepatic biliary duct for pre-existing injury (separate procedure)

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 47900 involves the surgical suture of the extrahepatic biliary duct, specifically addressing a pre-existing injury. This procedure is classified as a separate procedure, indicating that it is performed independently and is not part of a more extensive surgical intervention. The extrahepatic biliary duct is a critical component of the biliary system, responsible for transporting bile from the liver and gallbladder to the duodenum. In cases where this duct has been injured, it is essential to repair it to restore normal bile flow and prevent complications such as bile leaks or infections. The surgical approach typically involves making an abdominal incision along the midline, allowing access to the liver, gallbladder, and the extrahepatic bile ducts. Once the injury is identified, the surgeon evaluates the extent of the damage and proceeds to repair the duct using sutures. Following the repair, the surgical site is irrigated to reduce the risk of infection, and drains may be placed to facilitate the removal of any excess fluid. Finally, the abdominal incision is closed in layers to promote proper healing.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure indicated by CPT® Code 47900 is performed in specific clinical scenarios where there is a pre-existing injury to the extrahepatic biliary duct. The following conditions may warrant this surgical intervention:

  • Pre-existing biliary duct injury: This includes any trauma or surgical complications that have resulted in damage to the extrahepatic biliary duct, necessitating repair to restore normal function.
  • Bile leaks: Situations where bile is leaking from the duct due to injury, which can lead to serious complications if not addressed promptly.
  • Cholecystectomy complications: Injuries that may occur during gallbladder removal procedures, where the biliary duct may be inadvertently damaged.

2. Procedure

The procedure for suturing the extrahepatic biliary duct involves several critical steps, each essential for ensuring a successful repair. The following outlines the procedural steps:

  • Step 1: An abdominal incision is made in the midline, providing access to the abdominal cavity. This incision allows the surgeon to reach the liver, gallbladder, and extrahepatic bile ducts effectively.
  • Step 2: Once the incision is made, the liver, gallbladder, and extrahepatic bile ducts are carefully exposed. This exposure is crucial for identifying the site of injury within the biliary duct.
  • Step 3: The injured bile duct is identified, and the extent of the injury is evaluated. This assessment is vital for determining the appropriate repair technique and ensuring that all damaged tissue is addressed.
  • Step 4: The injury to the bile duct is repaired using sutures. This step involves meticulously closing the damaged area to restore the integrity of the duct and ensure proper bile flow.
  • Step 5: After the repair is completed, the surgical wound is irrigated to remove any debris and reduce the risk of infection. This irrigation is an important step in maintaining a clean surgical field.
  • Step 6: Drains may be placed as needed to facilitate the removal of any excess fluid that may accumulate post-operatively. The use of drains can help prevent complications such as fluid collections or abscess formation.
  • Step 7: Finally, the abdominal incision is closed in layers. This layered closure technique is essential for promoting proper healing and minimizing the risk of complications at the incision site.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care following the suture of the extrahepatic biliary duct is critical for ensuring a successful recovery. Patients may be monitored for signs of complications such as bile leaks or infections. The placement of drains, if utilized, will require careful management to ensure they function correctly and do not become obstructed. Patients are typically advised on activity restrictions to allow for proper healing of the surgical site. Follow-up appointments will be necessary to assess the healing process and the functionality of the biliary duct. Additionally, any changes in symptoms or concerns should be promptly reported to the healthcare provider to address potential issues early.

Short Descr SUTURE BILE DUCT INJURY
Medium Descr SUTURE EXTRAHEPATIC BILE DUCT PRE-EXIST INJURY
Long Descr Suture of extrahepatic biliary duct for pre-existing injury (separate procedure)
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
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.)
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).
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
Q3 Live kidney donor surgery and related services
Q6 Service furnished under a fee-for-time compensation arrangement by a substitute physician or by a substitute physical therapist furnishing outpatient physical therapy services in a health professional shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a rural area
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
Date
Action
Notes
2011-01-01 Changed Medium description changed.
1995-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 1995.
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