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Official Description

Laparoscopy, surgical, gastric restrictive procedure; removal of adjustable gastric restrictive device component only

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 43772 refers to a laparoscopic surgical procedure specifically aimed at the removal of an adjustable gastric restrictive device component, commonly known as a gastric band. This procedure is typically indicated when there are complications such as slippage of the gastric band, which may necessitate its removal without the need to address other components of the device. The gastric band is designed to restrict the amount of food that can be consumed, aiding in weight loss for patients with obesity. During the procedure, a Veress needle is utilized to insufflate the abdomen, creating a working space for the surgeon. Trocars are then introduced to facilitate the insertion of laparoscopic instruments. A nasogastric tube is placed to decompress the stomach, ensuring that the surgical field is clear. The gastric band is carefully dissected free from surrounding tissues, unlocked, and subsequently removed. It is important to note that this code is specifically for cases where only the gastric band component is removed, distinguishing it from other related procedures that may involve the replacement of the band or the removal of additional components such as the subcutaneous port. The procedure is performed with minimal invasiveness, allowing for quicker recovery times and reduced postoperative complications compared to open surgical techniques.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure associated with CPT® Code 43772 is indicated for patients experiencing complications related to their adjustable gastric restrictive device, specifically when slippage of the gastric band occurs. This condition may lead to inadequate restriction of the stomach, resulting in weight regain or other gastrointestinal issues. The removal of the gastric band component is performed to alleviate these complications and restore proper function.

  • Slippage of Gastric Band The primary indication for this procedure is the slippage of the gastric band, which can compromise its effectiveness and lead to adverse symptoms.

2. Procedure

The laparoscopic removal of the adjustable gastric restrictive device component involves several key procedural steps. Initially, a Veress needle is inserted into the abdominal cavity to insufflate the abdomen with carbon dioxide, creating a working space for the surgeon. Following this, trocars are introduced to allow for the placement of laparoscopic instruments. A nasogastric tube is then placed to decompress the stomach, which helps to provide a clearer view of the surgical field and reduces the risk of complications during the procedure.

  • Insufflation of the Abdomen The surgeon begins by inserting a Veress needle to insufflate the abdomen, which expands the abdominal cavity and facilitates the laparoscopic approach.
  • Placement of Trocars After insufflation, trocars are introduced into the abdominal cavity. These trocars serve as access points for the laparoscopic instruments that will be used during the procedure.
  • Placement of Nasogastric Tube A nasogastric tube is placed to decompress the stomach, ensuring that the surgical area is clear and reducing the risk of complications.
  • Dissection of Gastric Band The gastric band is then carefully dissected free from surrounding tissues. This step is crucial to ensure that the band can be removed without damaging adjacent structures.
  • Unlocking and Removal of Gastric Band Once the gastric band is dissected free, it is unlocked and removed laparoscopically. This step is performed with precision to avoid any complications.

3. Post-Procedure

After the laparoscopic removal of the gastric band component, patients are typically monitored for any immediate postoperative complications. Recovery may involve managing pain and ensuring that the patient is stable before discharge. Follow-up care is essential to assess the patient's recovery and to determine if further interventions are necessary. It is also important to note that gastric band adjustments may be performed postoperatively in the radiology department, depending on the patient's needs and the specific circumstances surrounding the procedure.

Short Descr LAP RMVL GASTR ADJ DEVICE
Medium Descr LAPS GASTRIC RESTRICTIVE PX REMOVE DEVICE
Long Descr Laparoscopy, surgical, gastric restrictive procedure; removal of adjustable gastric restrictive device component only
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 Hospital Part B services paid through a comprehensive APC
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P1G - Major procedure - Other
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 244 - Gastric bypass and volume reduction

This is a primary code that can be used with these additional add-on codes.

49327 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 Laparoscopy, surgical; with placement of interstitial device(s) for radiation therapy guidance (eg, fiducial markers, dosimeter), intra-abdominal, intrapelvic, and/or retroperitoneum, including imaging guidance, if performed, single or multiple (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
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).
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.
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.)
80 Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s).
82 Assistant surgeon (when qualified resident surgeon not available): the unavailability of a qualified resident surgeon is a prerequisite for use of modifier 82 appended to the usual procedure code number(s).
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
Date
Action
Notes
2008-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
2006-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 2006.
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