2 code page views remaining today. Guest accounts are limited to 2 daily page views. Register free account to get more views.
Log in Register free account

Official Description

Backbench reconstruction of cadaver donor pancreas allograft prior to transplantation, venous anastomosis, each

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Backbench reconstruction of a cadaver donor pancreas allograft prior to transplantation involves a critical surgical procedure known as venous anastomosis. This procedure is essential for preparing the pancreas for successful transplantation into a recipient. During this process, the surgeon connects the donor pancreas's venous structures to the recipient's vascular system, ensuring proper blood flow to the transplanted organ. The term 'venous anastomosis' refers specifically to the surgical connection made between veins, which is vital for maintaining the viability of the pancreas after it has been transplanted. In cases where the portal vein of the donor pancreas is too short or presents an unusual anatomical configuration, a venous extension graft may be necessary. This involves procuring a segment of donor vein, typically from the common or external iliac vein, that matches the diameter of the portal vein. The anastomosis is performed in an end-to-end fashion, often utilizing loupe magnification to enhance precision and ensure optimal alignment of the vessels. The CPT® Code 48552 should be reported for each venous anastomosis performed during this backbench reconstruction procedure.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure of backbench reconstruction of a cadaver donor pancreas allograft, specifically the venous anastomosis, is indicated in several scenarios related to organ transplantation. These include:

  • Cadaver Donor Pancreas Transplantation This procedure is performed when a pancreas from a deceased donor is being prepared for transplantation into a recipient who requires a pancreas transplant due to conditions such as type 1 diabetes or severe pancreatic dysfunction.
  • Short Portal Vein Venous anastomosis is indicated when the portal vein of the donor pancreas is too short to connect directly to the recipient's vascular system, necessitating the use of a graft to extend the vein.
  • Unusual Anatomical Configuration The procedure is also indicated when the anatomical configuration of the donor pancreas's venous structures is atypical, requiring surgical intervention to ensure proper venous connection.

2. Procedure

The backbench reconstruction procedure involves several critical steps to ensure the successful venous anastomosis of the cadaver donor pancreas allograft. These steps include:

  • Preparation of the Donor Pancreas The surgeon begins by carefully dissecting the cadaver donor pancreas to expose the vascular structures, particularly the portal vein. This preparation is crucial for assessing the anatomy and determining the need for any additional grafts.
  • Assessment of Venous Structures The surgeon evaluates the length and condition of the portal vein. If the portal vein is found to be too short or if there are anatomical challenges, the decision is made to procure a segment of donor vein for anastomosis.
  • Procurement of Donor Vein A segment of vein, typically from the common or external iliac vein, is harvested from the cadaver donor. This vein segment must match the diameter of the portal vein to ensure a proper fit during the anastomosis.
  • Venous Anastomosis The surgeon performs the venous anastomosis by connecting the donor vein segment to the portal vein in an end-to-end fashion. This step is performed under loupe magnification to enhance visibility and precision, ensuring that the anastomosis is secure and properly aligned.
  • Verification of Anastomosis After the anastomosis is completed, the surgeon verifies the integrity of the connection and checks for any signs of leakage or complications. This step is essential to ensure that the venous flow to the transplanted pancreas will be adequate.

3. Post-Procedure

Following the venous anastomosis during the backbench reconstruction of the cadaver donor pancreas allograft, several post-procedure considerations are important. The transplanted pancreas will require careful monitoring for signs of proper blood flow and function. Healthcare professionals will assess the anastomosis site for any complications, such as thrombosis or leakage. Additionally, the recipient will be closely observed for any signs of rejection or other adverse reactions to the transplant. Post-operative care may include the administration of immunosuppressive medications to prevent rejection of the transplanted organ. The recovery process will vary depending on the individual patient's condition and response to the transplant.

Short Descr PREP DONOR PANCREAS/VENOUS
Medium Descr BKBENCH RCNSTJ CDVR PNCRS ALGRFT VEN ANAST EA
Long Descr Backbench reconstruction of cadaver donor pancreas allograft prior to transplantation, venous anastomosis, each
Status Code Active Code
Global Days XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply
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 2
CCS Clinical Classification 176 - Other organ transplantation
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).
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.
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).
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
Date
Action
Notes
2005-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 2005.
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description