CPT® Code 44125

The procedure described by CPT® Code 44125 involves an enterectomy, which is a surgical operation that entails the resection or removal of a portion of the small intestine. This procedure is performed in conjunction with the creation of an enterostomy, a surgical opening that allows the small intestine to be brought to the surface of the abdomen. The operation begins with the physician making a midline incision in the abdominal cavity to gain access to the internal organs. During the surgery, any adhesions—abnormal fibrous bands that may bind organs together—are carefully lysed, or cut, using both blunt and sharp dissection techniques. The surgeon then inspects the abdominal contents, including vital organs such as the liver and gallbladder, to assess the extent of the disease affecting the small intestine. Once the diseased segment of the small intestine is identified, it is meticulously dissected away from the surrounding tissues. Blood vessels supplying the affected area are clamped and ligated with sutures to prevent excessive bleeding. The small intestine is then divided, typically using staples or noncrushing clamps, to remove the diseased section. After excising the affected portion, the remaining distal segment of the intestine is closed off, while the proximal segment is prepared for exteriorization through the abdominal wall. To create the enterostomy, a small incision is made at the predetermined site on the abdomen, and the incision is deepened through the subcutaneous tissue. Any excess fat is excised to expose the anterior rectus fascia, which is then opened. The rectus muscle fibers are separated using blunt dissection to allow access to the peritoneum. An opening of adequate size is created in the peritoneum to facilitate the passage of the small bowel segment. The segment of the small intestine that is to be exteriorized is brought through this opening, everted, and sutured securely to the skin, establishing a stoma that allows for the passage of intestinal contents outside the body.