CPT® Code 43753

Gastric intubation and aspiration(s) therapeutic, necessitating physician's skill (eg, for gastrointestinal hemorrhage), including lavage if performed

The procedure described by CPT® Code 43753 involves gastric intubation and therapeutic aspiration, which requires the skill of a physician, particularly in cases such as gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Gastric intubation is a medical procedure where a tube is inserted into the stomach through the nose or mouth to facilitate the removal of gastric contents or to administer medications and fluids. The process begins with the selection of the most open nostril for tube insertion, followed by the application of local anesthesia using viscous lidocaine to minimize discomfort. The physician estimates the necessary length of the tube for proper placement in the stomach and marks it accordingly. The tube is then carefully advanced through the nasal passage, oropharynx, and esophagus until it reaches the stomach. Verification of correct placement is crucial and is typically done by either instilling air into the stomach and listening for the sound of air or by aspirating gastric contents. In addition to the intubation, the procedure may include therapeutic aspiration, where the physician removes gastric contents to address specific medical conditions. If indicated, the physician may also perform gastric lavage, which involves washing out the stomach by instilling a liquid and subsequently aspirating both the liquid and gastric contents. After the aspiration procedure, the gastric tube may either be left in place for further treatment or removed, depending on the clinical situation and physician's judgment.