CPT® Code 44120

The procedure described by CPT® Code 44120 involves an enterectomy, which is a surgical operation that entails the resection of a segment of the small intestine. This procedure is performed when a portion of the small intestine is diseased or damaged and requires removal. The term "anastomosis" refers to the surgical connection made between the two ends of the intestine after the diseased section has been excised. The operation typically begins with the physician making a midline incision in the abdominal cavity to gain access to the internal organs. During the procedure, any adhesions—abnormal fibrous bands that may have formed between organs—are carefully lysed, or cut, using both blunt and sharp dissection techniques. Once the abdominal contents, including vital organs such as the liver and gallbladder, are exposed, the surgeon inspects them for any additional issues. The specific segment of the small intestine that is affected is then identified and meticulously dissected from the surrounding tissues. Blood vessels supplying the affected area are clamped and ligated with sutures to prevent excessive bleeding. The actual division of the small intestine is performed using either staples or noncrushing clamps to ensure minimal trauma to the remaining intestinal tissue. After the diseased segment is removed, the remaining proximal and distal segments of the small intestine are joined together through anastomosis, which can be configured in various ways, such as end-to-end, end-to-side, or side-to-side, depending on the surgical requirements. Finally, the abdominal cavity is closed in layers to ensure proper healing and recovery. This code is specifically used to report a single resection and anastomosis, while additional resections and anastomoses are reported using CPT® Code 44121.