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Official Description

Peritoneal lavage, including imaging guidance, when performed

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 49084 refers to peritoneal lavage, which is a medical intervention performed to assess the condition of the peritoneal cavity. This procedure involves the cleansing of the abdomen, typically initiated with the administration of a local anesthetic to minimize discomfort. A small incision is made in the skin, allowing access to the abdominal wall. Through this incision, a dialysis-type catheter is carefully inserted into the peritoneal cavity, often with the assistance of imaging guidance to ensure accurate placement. Once the catheter is in position, fluid is drained from the peritoneal cavity, which is then visually examined for any signs of bleeding or other pathological conditions. The collected fluid is subsequently sent to a laboratory for further analysis, which is reported separately. To ensure thorough cleansing of the cavity, a saline solution is instilled into the peritoneal space and then withdrawn, effectively flushing out any blood clots or debris that may be present. This procedure is critical in diagnosing various abdominal conditions and is performed under sterile conditions to minimize the risk of infection.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure of peritoneal lavage, as described by CPT® Code 49084, is indicated for several clinical scenarios where assessment of the peritoneal cavity is necessary. The following conditions may warrant the performance of this procedure:

  • Abdominal Trauma The procedure is often indicated in cases of suspected abdominal trauma, where internal bleeding or organ injury needs to be evaluated.
  • Peritonitis It may be performed to investigate the presence of peritonitis, an inflammation of the peritoneum that can result from infection or other causes.
  • Ascites In patients with ascites, peritoneal lavage can help determine the cause of fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity.
  • Diagnostic Evaluation The procedure serves as a diagnostic tool to collect peritoneal fluid for laboratory analysis, aiding in the diagnosis of various abdominal conditions.

2. Procedure

The procedure of peritoneal lavage involves several critical steps to ensure effective evaluation of the peritoneal cavity. Each step is essential for the successful completion of the lavage process.

  • Step 1: Anesthesia Administration Initially, a local anesthetic is administered to the patient to minimize discomfort during the procedure. This step is crucial for patient comfort and cooperation.
  • Step 2: Incision Creation Following anesthesia, a small incision is made in the skin over the abdominal wall. This incision allows access to the peritoneal cavity and is performed with precision to minimize tissue damage.
  • Step 3: Catheter Insertion A dialysis-type catheter is then inserted into the peritoneal cavity through the incision. Imaging guidance may be utilized at this stage to ensure accurate placement of the catheter, which is vital for effective fluid drainage.
  • Step 4: Fluid Drainage Once the catheter is in place, fluid is drained from the peritoneal cavity. This fluid is visually examined for any signs of bleeding or other abnormalities, providing immediate diagnostic information.
  • Step 5: Laboratory Analysis The drained fluid is sent to a laboratory for separate analysis, which can yield important insights into the underlying condition affecting the patient.
  • Step 6: Saline Instillation and Withdrawal To thoroughly cleanse the peritoneal cavity, a saline solution is instilled into the cavity and subsequently withdrawn. This step helps to flush out any blood clots or debris that may be present, ensuring a clear assessment of the cavity.

3. Post-Procedure

After the completion of the peritoneal lavage, the patient may require monitoring for any immediate complications, such as infection or bleeding at the incision site. The healthcare provider will typically provide instructions regarding care for the incision and signs of potential complications to watch for during recovery. Depending on the findings from the lavage and laboratory analysis, further diagnostic or therapeutic interventions may be necessary. The patient may also be advised on activity restrictions and follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing and evaluation of the underlying condition.

Short Descr PERITONEAL LAVAGE
Medium Descr PERITONEAL LAVAGE W/WO IMAGING GUIDANCE
Long Descr Peritoneal lavage, including imaging guidance, when performed
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
ASC Payment Indicator Non office-based surgical procedure added in CY 2008 or later; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P1G - Major procedure - Other
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 88 - Abdominal paracentesis
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).
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.
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.
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.)
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
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.
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).
53 Discontinued procedure: under certain circumstances, the physician or other qualified health care professional may elect to terminate a surgical or diagnostic procedure. due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, it may be necessary to indicate that a surgical or diagnostic procedure was started but discontinued. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 53 to the code reported by the individual for the discontinued procedure. note: this modifier is not used to report the elective cancellation of a procedure prior to the patient's anesthesia induction and/or surgical preparation in the operating suite. for outpatient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) 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).
77 Repeat procedure by another physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a basic procedure or service was repeated by another physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 77 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
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).
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
CC Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed)
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
FS Split (or shared) evaluation and management visit
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
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
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
XE Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter
XP Separate practitioner, a service that is distinct because it was performed by a different practitioner
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
Date
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2012-01-01 Added Added
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