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Official Description

Laparoscopy, surgical, gastric restrictive procedure; removal of adjustable gastric restrictive device and subcutaneous port components

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 43774 refers to a laparoscopic surgical procedure specifically designed for the removal of both the adjustable gastric restrictive device and its associated subcutaneous port components. This procedure is typically indicated when there are complications or failures associated with the gastric band, such as slippage or malfunction. The laparoscopic approach allows for minimally invasive surgery, which generally results in reduced recovery time and less postoperative pain compared to open surgical techniques. During the procedure, a Veress needle is initially used to insufflate the abdomen, creating a working space for the surgeon. Trocars are then introduced to facilitate the insertion of laparoscopic instruments. The subcutaneous port, which is the access point for adjusting the gastric band, is dissected and removed first, providing the necessary traction on the gastric band itself. Following this, the gastric band is carefully dissected free from surrounding tissues, unlocked, and subsequently removed. This procedure is crucial for patients who may be experiencing adverse effects from their gastric band, ensuring that they can transition to alternative weight management strategies or address complications effectively.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure coded as CPT® 43774 is indicated for patients who require the removal of both the adjustable gastric restrictive device and the subcutaneous port components due to complications or failures associated with the gastric band. Common indications include:

  • Complications from Gastric Banding Patients may experience slippage of the gastric band, which necessitates removal to prevent further complications.
  • Malfunction of the Device If the gastric band or its components are defective or not functioning as intended, removal is required.
  • Patient Preference Some patients may choose to have the device removed due to dissatisfaction with the results or side effects.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® 43774 involves several critical steps to ensure the safe and effective removal of the gastric band and subcutaneous port components. The steps are as follows:

  • Step 1: Insufflation A Veress needle is inserted into the abdominal cavity to insufflate the abdomen with carbon dioxide gas. This creates a working space for the laparoscopic instruments and allows for better visualization of the surgical field.
  • Step 2: Trocar Placement 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.
  • Step 3: Subcutaneous Port Removal The subcutaneous port components are dissected and removed first. This step is crucial as it allows for traction on the gastric band, facilitating its removal.
  • Step 4: Gastric Band Dissection The gastric band is then carefully dissected free from the surrounding tissues. The band is unlocked to prepare for removal.
  • Step 5: Gastric Band Removal Once the gastric band is unlocked and dissected, it is removed from the patient's body. This step may involve careful manipulation to ensure that no surrounding tissues are damaged during the removal process.

3. Post-Procedure

After the completion of the laparoscopic removal of the gastric band and subcutaneous port components, 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 appointments may be scheduled to assess the patient's recovery and to discuss further weight management strategies, as the removal of the gastric band may necessitate alternative approaches to weight control. Patients are advised to adhere to any postoperative care instructions provided by their healthcare team to promote healing and prevent complications.

Short Descr LAP RMVL GASTR ADJ ALL PARTS
Medium Descr LAPS GASTRIC RESTRICTIVE PX REMOVE DEVICE & PORT
Long Descr Laparoscopy, surgical, gastric restrictive procedure; removal of adjustable gastric restrictive device and subcutaneous port components
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
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) 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)
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
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).
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.
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).
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.
62 Two surgeons: when 2 surgeons work together as primary surgeons performing distinct part(s) of a procedure, each surgeon should report his/her distinct operative work by adding modifier 62 to the procedure code and any associated add-on code(s) for that procedure as long as both surgeons continue to work together as primary surgeons. each surgeon should report the co-surgery once using the same procedure code. if additional procedure(s) (including add-on procedure(s) are performed during the same surgical session, separate code(s) may also be reported with modifier 62 added. note: if a co-surgeon acts as an assistant in the performance of additional procedure(s), other than those reported with the modifier 62, during the same surgical session, those services may be reported using separate procedure code(s) with modifier 80 or modifier 82 added, as appropriate.
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.)
79 Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: the individual may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by using modifier 79. (for repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier 76.)
80 Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s).
81 Minimum assistant surgeon: minimum surgical assistant services are identified by adding modifier 81 to the usual procedure number.
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)
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
GV Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
SG Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
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
2013-01-01 Changed Medium Descriptor changed.
2008-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
2006-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 2006.
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