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CPT®
48511

CPT® Code 48511
Deleted

Official Description

External drainage, pseudocyst of pancreas; percutaneous

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

External drainage of a pancreatic pseudocyst is a medical procedure aimed at alleviating complications associated with fluid accumulation in the pancreas. A pancreatic pseudocyst is a fluid-filled sac that can develop in the abdomen, often as a result of pancreatitis or pancreatic injury. The procedure can be performed using two techniques: open drainage, which involves a surgical incision to access the pancreas directly, or percutaneous drainage, which is a minimally invasive approach that utilizes imaging guidance to locate and drain the cyst. In the percutaneous method, a small incision is made on the skin, and imaging techniques such as fluoroscopy, ultrasound, or CT scans are employed to accurately identify the cyst. Once located, a needle is inserted to aspirate the fluid, confirming the cyst's nature as fluid-filled. Following this, a guidewire is placed, allowing for the insertion of a drainage catheter to facilitate the continuous removal of fluid. This procedure is essential for preventing complications such as infection, abdominal pain, and further pancreatic damage, and it is typically performed in a hospital setting by a qualified healthcare professional.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

External drainage of a pancreatic pseudocyst is indicated for the following conditions:

  • Fluid Accumulation The presence of a fluid-filled sac in the pancreas that requires drainage to alleviate symptoms or prevent complications.
  • Pancreatitis Patients with acute or chronic pancreatitis may develop pseudocysts that necessitate intervention.
  • Abdominal Pain Persistent abdominal pain associated with the presence of a pancreatic pseudocyst may warrant drainage.
  • Infection Risk The potential for infection or abscess formation due to the accumulation of pancreatic fluid.

2. Procedure

The procedure for percutaneous drainage of a pancreatic pseudocyst involves several critical steps:

  • Preparation The patient’s skin is prepped and sterilized to minimize the risk of infection at the incision site.
  • Incision A small incision is made over the area where the pancreas is located, allowing access to the pseudocyst.
  • Imaging Guidance Fluoroscopy, ultrasound, or CT guidance is utilized to accurately locate the cyst within the pancreas.
  • Puncture A long needle is inserted to puncture the cyst wall, allowing for the aspiration of the cyst fluid to confirm it is indeed fluid-filled.
  • Guidewire Insertion After aspiration, a guidewire is inserted through the needle, which is then withdrawn, leaving the guidewire in place.
  • Catheter Placement A drainage catheter or tube is placed over the guidewire and positioned within the cyst to facilitate fluid drainage.
  • Guidewire Removal The guidewire is removed once the catheter is securely in place.
  • Multiple Drains If necessary, the procedure may be repeated to place additional drains for effective fluid management.
  • Securing Drains The drains are secured to the abdominal wall to prevent displacement, and the small incision is closed.
  • Post-Procedure Monitoring The drains may remain in place for several days to ensure adequate drainage of the cyst.

3. Post-Procedure

After the percutaneous drainage procedure, patients are typically monitored for any signs of complications, such as infection or bleeding. The drainage catheters may remain in place for several days, allowing for continuous monitoring and management of the fluid output. Patients may be advised on care for the incision site to prevent infection and ensure proper healing. Follow-up imaging may be necessary to assess the effectiveness of the drainage and to determine if further intervention is required. It is essential for healthcare providers to provide clear instructions regarding activity restrictions and signs of potential complications that patients should report.
Short Descr DRAIN PANCREATIC PSEUDOCYST
Medium Descr XTRNL DRG PSEUDOCYST PANCREAS PRQ
Long Descr External drainage, pseudocyst of pancreas; percutaneous
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 000 - Endoscopic or Minor Procedure
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) 1 - Statutory payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Team Surgery (66) 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Procedure or Service, Multiple Reduction Applies
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) none
MUE Not applicable/unspecified.
CCS Clinical Classification 99 - Other OR gastrointestinal therapeutic procedures
Date
Action
Notes
2014-01-01 Deleted Deleted
1998-01-01 Added Code added.
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