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Official Description

Esophagoscopy, rigid, transoral; with removal of foreign body(s)

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Esophagoscopy, rigid, transoral, is a medical procedure that involves the use of a rigid endoscope to examine the esophagus and remove foreign bodies that may be lodged within it. This procedure is typically performed when a patient has ingested an object that has become stuck in the esophagus, causing discomfort or potential injury. The rigid endoscope is a specialized instrument that allows for direct visualization of the esophagus, enabling the physician to identify and address the obstruction effectively. During the procedure, the endoscope is inserted through the mouth and advanced into the esophagus, providing a clear view of the area where the foreign body is located. Various techniques may be employed to remove the foreign body, depending on its size, shape, and location. For instance, a balloon catheter may be utilized for smooth-edged objects, while forceps are often used for more challenging cases, such as impacted food. The procedure is crucial for preventing complications such as esophageal perforation or obstruction, ensuring that the patient can return to normal swallowing and digestive function.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure of esophagoscopy, rigid, transoral, is indicated for the following conditions:

  • Foreign Body Ingestion The primary indication for this procedure is the presence of foreign bodies lodged in the esophagus, which may cause obstruction or discomfort.
  • Impacted Food This procedure is also indicated for cases where food, such as meat, becomes impacted in the esophagus, leading to difficulty swallowing or pain.
  • Sharp Objects The removal of sharp foreign bodies, such as tacks or razor blades, is another critical indication, as these can pose a risk of injury to the esophageal lining.

2. Procedure

The procedure of esophagoscopy, rigid, transoral, involves several key steps to ensure the safe and effective removal of foreign bodies from the esophagus:

  • Step 1: Preparation The patient is positioned appropriately, and sedation may be administered to ensure comfort during the procedure. The physician prepares the rigid endoscope and any necessary tools, such as forceps or a balloon catheter, for the removal process.
  • Step 2: Introduction of the Endoscope The rigid endoscope is carefully introduced through the patient's mouth and advanced into the esophagus. This allows the physician to visualize the area where the foreign body is lodged.
  • Step 3: Removal of Smooth-Edged Foreign Bodies If the foreign body is smooth-edged, such as a coin, a balloon catheter may be utilized. The catheter tip is passed beyond the level of the foreign body, and the balloon is inflated. The catheter is then withdrawn, pulling the foreign body out of the esophagus.
  • Step 4: Removal of Impacted Foreign Bodies For impacted foreign bodies, such as pieces of meat, forceps are passed through the endoscope to grasp the object. The impacted food may be removed directly or nudged into the stomach if removal is not feasible.
  • Step 5: Removal of Sharp Foreign Bodies In cases involving sharp foreign bodies, the physician uses forceps to visualize and maneuver the object into the lumen of the scope. The foreign body is then carefully removed along with the endoscope.
  • Step 6: Re-examination After the foreign body has been removed, the endoscope is reintroduced to re-examine the esophagus for any signs of perforation or other injuries that may have occurred during the procedure.

3. Post-Procedure

Following the esophagoscopy, patients are typically monitored for any immediate complications. They may be advised to refrain from eating or drinking until the effects of sedation have worn off and the physician has confirmed that it is safe to resume normal activities. Patients should be informed about potential symptoms to watch for, such as difficulty swallowing, chest pain, or signs of infection, and instructed to seek medical attention if these occur. A follow-up appointment may be scheduled to ensure proper healing and to address any ongoing concerns related to the procedure.

Short Descr ESOPHAGOSCP RIG TRNSO REM FB
Medium Descr ESOPHAGOSCOPY RIG TRANSORAL REMOVAL FOREIGN BODY
Long Descr Esophagoscopy, rigid, transoral; with removal of foreign body(s)
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 000 - Endoscopic or Minor Procedure
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 3 - Special payment adjustment rules for multiple endoscopic 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) 1 - Statutory payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Team Surgery (66) 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Endoscopic Base Code 43191  Esophagoscopy, rigid, transoral; diagnostic, including collection of specimen(s) by brushing or washing when performed (separate procedure)
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Hospital Part B services paid through a comprehensive APC
ASC Payment Indicator Non office-based surgical procedure added in CY 2008 or later; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P8B - Endoscopy - upper gastrointestinal
MUE 1
22 Increased procedural services: when the work required to provide a service is substantially greater than typically required, it may be identified by adding modifier 22 to the usual procedure code. documentation must support the substantial additional work and the reason for the additional work (ie, increased intensity, time, technical difficulty of procedure, severity of patient's condition, physical and mental effort required). note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
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).
52 Reduced services: under certain circumstances a service or procedure is partially reduced or eliminated at the discretion of the physician or other qualified health care professional. under these circumstances the service provided can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 52, signifying that the service is reduced. this provides a means of reporting reduced services without disturbing the identification of the basic service. note: for hospital outpatient reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well-being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
53 Discontinued procedure: under certain circumstances, the physician or other qualified health care professional may elect to terminate a surgical or diagnostic procedure. due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, it may be necessary to indicate that a surgical or diagnostic procedure was started but discontinued. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 53 to the code reported by the individual for the discontinued procedure. note: this modifier is not used to report the elective cancellation of a procedure prior to the patient's anesthesia induction and/or surgical preparation in the operating suite. for outpatient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
58 Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was: (a) planned or anticipated (staged); (b) more extensive than the original procedure; or (c) for therapy following a surgical procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 58 to the staged or related procedure. note: for treatment of a problem that requires a return to the operating/procedure room (eg, unanticipated clinical condition), see modifier 78.
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.
77 Repeat procedure by another physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a basic procedure or service was repeated by another physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 77 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
78 Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician or other qualified health care professional following initial procedure for a related procedure during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that another procedure was performed during the postoperative period of the initial procedure (unplanned procedure following initial procedure). when this procedure is related to the first, and requires the use of an operating/procedure room, it may be reported by adding modifier 78 to the related procedure. (for repeat procedures, see modifier 76.)
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
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2014-01-01 Added Added
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