CPT® Code 39502

Deleted

Repair, paraesophageal hiatus hernia, transabdominal, with or without fundoplasty, vagotomy, and/or pyloroplasty, except neonatal

Paraesophageal hiatal hernias are a type of hernia that occurs when a portion of the stomach, specifically the fundus, protrudes into the thoracic cavity through an opening in the diaphragm known as the hiatus. This condition typically manifests anterior or lateral to the esophagus. The surgical procedure associated with CPT® Code 39502 involves a transabdominal approach to repair the hernia. During this operation, an incision is made in the upper abdomen to gain access to the lower esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. The lower esophagus is carefully mobilized to reach the gastroesophageal junction, allowing for the fundus of the stomach to be gently pulled back into its proper position within the abdominal cavity. In some cases, a fundoplasty may be performed, which involves suturing the fundus around the esophagus to reinforce the junction and prevent future herniation. Additionally, the procedure may include a vagotomy, which is the surgical cutting of the vagus nerve, and/or a pyloroplasty, which is a surgical procedure to widen the pylorus, the opening from the stomach into the duodenum. The diaphragm defect is then repaired to restore normal anatomical function. This procedure is not performed on neonates, indicating that it is intended for older children and adults who present with this type of hernia.