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The vagus nerve, known as the tenth cranial nerve, plays a crucial role in the autonomic nervous system, influencing various bodily functions. It originates from the brainstem and extends through the neck, thorax, and abdomen, branching out to innervate multiple organs, including the stomach and upper digestive tract. The procedure described by CPT® Code 64760 involves the transection or avulsion of the vagus nerve, specifically through an abdominal approach. This surgical intervention is primarily performed to reduce excessive acid production in the stomach, which can help prevent the formation of peptic ulcers. By cutting the vagus nerve, the stimulation that promotes acid secretion is diminished, thereby alleviating the symptoms associated with hyperacidity. The procedure requires careful dissection and identification of the vagus nerve and its branches, ensuring that the main vagal trunks are accurately located and divided to achieve the desired therapeutic effect. This approach is essential for managing conditions related to gastric acid secretion and is a critical component of surgical treatment for peptic ulcer disease.
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The procedure described by CPT® Code 64760 is indicated for patients experiencing conditions related to excessive gastric acid production. The following are specific indications for performing a vagotomy:
The procedure for CPT® Code 64760 involves several critical steps to ensure the successful transection of the vagus nerve. The following outlines the procedural steps:
After the completion of the vagotomy procedure, patients typically require monitoring for any potential complications, such as infection or bleeding. Post-operative care may include pain management and dietary modifications to accommodate changes in gastric function. Patients are often advised to follow up with their healthcare provider to assess recovery and manage any ongoing symptoms related to gastric acid production. The expected recovery period may vary based on individual health factors and the extent of the surgical intervention.
| Short Descr | INCISION OF VAGUS NERVE | Medium Descr | TRANSECTION/AVULSION VAGUS NERVE ABDOMINAL | Long Descr | Transection or avulsion of; vagus nerve (vagotomy), abdominal | 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 | 9 - Other OR therapeutic nervous system 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). | 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. | AS | Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery |
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| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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