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CPT®
32500

CPT® Code 32500
Deleted

Code deleted, see 32505, 32506, 32507

Official Description

Removal of lung, other than total pneumonectomy; wedge resection, single or multiple

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 32500 refers to the surgical procedure known as wedge resection of the lung, which involves the removal of a portion of lung tissue that is diseased or damaged, but does not encompass a total pneumonectomy. This procedure can involve the excision of single or multiple wedge-shaped sections from one lung. The term "wedge resection" indicates that the removed tissue is shaped like a wedge, allowing for the removal of both the affected lung tissue and a small margin of healthy tissue to ensure complete excision of the disease. The procedure typically requires an incision made at the front of the chest, which may be extended around to the back, providing access to the thoracic cavity. During the operation, the surgeon may need to remove a rib to enhance visibility and access to the lung. Once the targeted lung tissue is excised, a temporary drainage tube may be placed in the pleural space to facilitate the removal of any air, fluid, or blood that may accumulate post-surgery. Finally, the chest incision is sutured closed, completing the procedure.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The wedge resection procedure, coded as CPT® 32500, is indicated for various conditions affecting the lung. These may include:

  • Localized Lung Tumors The procedure is often performed to remove localized tumors or cancerous lesions that are confined to a specific area of the lung.
  • Infectious Lung Diseases Wedge resection may be indicated for the removal of infected or necrotic lung tissue due to conditions such as tuberculosis or lung abscesses.
  • Interstitial Lung Disease In certain cases, wedge resection can be performed to excise areas of lung affected by interstitial lung disease, where lung tissue becomes inflamed and scarred.

2. Procedure

The wedge resection procedure involves several critical steps, which are outlined as follows:

  • Step 1: Anesthesia and Positioning The patient is placed under general anesthesia to ensure they are unconscious and pain-free during the procedure. The patient is typically positioned on their back or side to provide optimal access to the affected lung.
  • Step 2: Incision A surgical incision is made at the level of the affected lung, usually in the front of the chest. This incision may be extended around the back to a point beneath the shoulder blade, allowing the surgeon to access the thoracic cavity effectively.
  • Step 3: Accessing the Chest Cavity The chest cavity is entered through the exposed ribs. In some cases, a rib may be removed to enhance visibility and access to the lung tissue that needs to be excised.
  • Step 4: Identification and Resection of Lung Tissue The surgeon identifies the section of diseased or damaged lung tissue. A wedge-shaped section of lung, which includes both the affected tissue and a small margin of healthy tissue, is carefully excised to ensure complete removal of the disease.
  • Step 5: Drainage Tube Placement After the resection, a temporary drainage tube may be inserted into the pleural space. This tube is crucial for removing any air, fluid, or blood that may accumulate in the surgical site, thereby preventing complications.
  • Step 6: Closure of the Incision Once the drainage tube is in place, the chest incision is closed using sutures or staples, completing the surgical procedure.

3. Post-Procedure

Following the wedge resection, patients are typically monitored in a recovery area for any immediate complications. The presence of a drainage tube may require careful management to ensure proper drainage and prevent fluid accumulation. Patients can expect a recovery period that may involve pain management and respiratory therapy to aid in lung function. The duration of recovery can vary based on the extent of the surgery and the patient's overall health. Follow-up appointments are essential to monitor healing and assess lung function post-surgery.
Short Descr PARTIAL REMOVAL OF LUNG
Medium Descr RMVL LNG OTH/THN TOT PNUMEC WEDGE RESCJ 1/MLT
Long Descr Removal of lung, other than total pneumonectomy; wedge resection, single or multiple
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 Discontinued Code
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) none
MUE Not applicable/unspecified.
CCS Clinical Classification 36 - Lobectomy or pneumonectomy
Date
Action
Notes
2012-01-01 Deleted Code deleted, see 32505, 32506, 32507
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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