CPT® Code 35840

The CPT® Code 35840 refers to the procedure of exploration for postoperative hemorrhage, thrombosis, or infection specifically in the abdomen. This procedure is performed when a patient exhibits symptoms that suggest complications following a surgical operation. Such symptoms may include a low red blood cell count indicative of hemorrhage, pain, redness, swelling, or shortness of breath that may suggest thrombosis, and fever, redness, swelling, or tenderness over the surgical site that may indicate an infection. When non-surgical interventions do not alleviate these symptoms, the patient is taken back to the operating room for a thorough exploration of the surgical site. During this procedure, the surgical incision is reopened to allow for a detailed inspection of the area. The surgeon will control any bleeding through methods such as ligation or cautery, evacuate any blood clots present, and address any signs of infection by draining abscesses and flushing the wound with normal saline or an antibiotic solution. Depending on the findings, drains may be placed to facilitate further drainage, and the surgical wound may either be closed or packed with gauze to promote healing. This code is specifically designated for abdominal explorations, with other codes available for similar procedures in different anatomical locations, such as the neck, chest, and extremities.