Coding a Hand Assisted Laparoscopy

Question:

The surgeon described the procedure as a ‘hand assisted laparoscopy”. He brought part of the bowel outside of the body for evaluation. Does this convert the procedure to open?

Answer:

Mobilizing the bowel outside the body (extracorporeally) during a laparoscopic procedure does not convert the procedure to open, it is still considered a laparoscopic procedure and coded as laparoscopic.

*This response is based on the best information available as of 04/21/22.

 
 
KZA - General Surgery - Coding Coach
 
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