Coding Ahead
CasePilot
Medical Coding Assistant
Case2Code
Search and Code Lookup Tool
CareerCenter
Medical Coding Job Board
Log in Register free account

Need help choosing the right code?

Ask CasePilot about procedures, modifiers, bundling, and coding guidance.

Try CasePilot

Official Description

Laparoscopy, surgical, mobilization (take-down) of splenic flexure performed in conjunction with partial colectomy (List separately in addition to primary procedure)

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Laparoscopic mobilization, also referred to as take-down of the splenic flexure, is a surgical procedure that is performed using minimally invasive techniques. This procedure is specifically conducted in conjunction with a partial colectomy, which is a surgical operation that involves the removal of a portion of the colon. The term "take-down" refers to the process of mobilizing the splenic flexure, which is the bend of the colon located near the spleen, to facilitate the resection of the affected segment of the colon. This mobilization is crucial as it allows for the exteriorization of the colon segment that is to be removed and ensures that the remaining segments of the colon can be reconnected without tension, a process known as anastomosis. During the procedure, the inferior mesenteric vein is divided, and the mesentery, which is the tissue that attaches the colon to the abdominal wall, is carefully dissected away from Gerota's fascia, the connective tissue surrounding the kidneys. Additionally, a small opening is created in the mesentery of the transverse colon to enable gas to enter and distend the lesser sac, enhancing visualization of the surgical field. The detachment of the mesentery of the splenic flexure from the pancreas, along with the separation of the colon from the omentum and the left abdominal gutter, completes the mobilization process, setting the stage for the subsequent steps of the partial colectomy.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The laparoscopic mobilization (take-down) of the splenic flexure is indicated for patients undergoing a partial colectomy. This procedure is typically performed in cases where there is a need to remove a diseased or damaged segment of the colon, which may be due to various conditions such as:

  • Colorectal Cancer - The presence of malignant tumors in the colon necessitating resection.
  • Diverticulitis - Inflammation or infection of diverticula in the colon that may require surgical intervention.
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease - Conditions such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis that can lead to complications requiring partial removal of the colon.
  • Benign Tumors - Non-cancerous growths that may obstruct the colon or cause other complications.

2. Procedure

The laparoscopic mobilization of the splenic flexure involves several key procedural steps that are performed in a systematic manner to ensure successful completion of the surgery. Each step is critical to achieving the desired outcome of the partial colectomy.

  • Step 1: Access and Visualization - The procedure begins with the creation of small incisions in the abdominal wall to allow for the insertion of laparoscopic instruments and a camera. This setup provides the surgeon with a clear view of the abdominal cavity and the colon.
  • Step 2: Division of the Inferior Mesenteric Vein - The inferior mesenteric vein is carefully identified and divided. This step is essential as it helps to free the mesentery of the left colon, facilitating further dissection.
  • Step 3: Dissection of the Mesentery - The mesentery of the left colon is meticulously dissected away from Gerota's fascia, which is the connective tissue surrounding the kidneys. This dissection is crucial for mobilizing the splenic flexure.
  • Step 4: Creation of an Opening in the Mesentery - A small hole is made in the mesentery of the transverse colon. This opening allows gas to enter and distend the lesser sac, improving visualization of the surgical area.
  • Step 5: Detachment of the Mesentery of the Splenic Flexure - The mesentery of the splenic flexure is then detached from the pancreas, which is necessary for complete mobilization.
  • Step 6: Separation from the Omentum and Left Abdominal Gutter - Finally, the colon is detached from the omentum and the left abdominal gutter, completing the mobilization process and preparing the colon for the subsequent partial colectomy.

3. Post-Procedure

After the laparoscopic mobilization of the splenic flexure, patients typically require monitoring for any complications that may arise. Post-procedure care includes managing pain, monitoring for signs of infection, and ensuring proper recovery. Patients may be advised to follow a specific diet and gradually reintroduce solid foods as tolerated. The expected recovery time can vary based on individual health factors and the extent of the surgery performed. Follow-up appointments are essential to assess healing and to plan any further treatment if necessary.

Short Descr LAP MOBIL SPLENIC FL ADD-ON
Medium Descr LAPS MOBLJ SPLENIC FLXR PFRMD W/PRTL COLECTOMY
Long Descr Laparoscopy, surgical, mobilization (take-down) of splenic flexure performed in conjunction with partial colectomy (List separately in addition to primary procedure)
Status Code Active Code
Global Days ZZZ - Code Related to Another Service
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 0 - No 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 Inpatient Procedures, not paid under OPPS
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P1G - Major procedure - Other
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 78 - Colorectal resection

This is an add-on code that must be used in conjunction with one of these primary codes.

44204 MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Illustration for Code Laparoscopy, surgical; colectomy, partial, with anastomosis
44205 MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Laparoscopy, surgical; colectomy, partial, with removal of terminal ileum with ileocolostomy
44206 MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Illustration for Code Laparoscopy, surgical; colectomy, partial, with end colostomy and closure of distal segment (Hartmann type procedure)
44207 MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Physician Quality Reporting Illustration for Code Laparoscopy, surgical; colectomy, partial, with anastomosis, with coloproctostomy (low pelvic anastomosis)
44208 MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Illustration for Code Laparoscopy, surgical; colectomy, partial, with anastomosis, with coloproctostomy (low pelvic anastomosis) with colostomy
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)
96547 Add On Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N Intraoperative hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) procedure, including separate incision(s) and closure, when performed; first 60 minutes (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
96548 Add On Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N Intraoperative hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) procedure, including separate incision(s) and closure, when performed; each additional 30 minutes (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
80 Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s).
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.
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).
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).
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).
53 Discontinued procedure: under certain circumstances, the physician or other qualified health care professional may elect to terminate a surgical or diagnostic procedure. due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, it may be necessary to indicate that a surgical or diagnostic procedure was started but discontinued. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 53 to the code reported by the individual for the discontinued procedure. note: this modifier is not used to report the elective cancellation of a procedure prior to the patient's anesthesia induction and/or surgical preparation in the operating suite. for outpatient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) 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).
58 Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was: (a) planned or anticipated (staged); (b) more extensive than the original procedure; or (c) for therapy following a surgical procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 58 to the staged or related procedure. note: for treatment of a problem that requires a return to the operating/procedure room (eg, unanticipated clinical condition), see modifier 78.
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.)
81 Minimum assistant surgeon: minimum surgical assistant services are identified by adding modifier 81 to the usual procedure number.
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
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
PD Diagnostic or related non diagnostic item or service provided in a wholly owned or operated entity to a patient who is admitted as an inpatient within 3 days
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
Q6 Service furnished under a fee-for-time compensation arrangement by a substitute physician or by a substitute physical therapist furnishing outpatient physical therapy services in a health professional shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a rural area
X4 Episodic/focused services: for reporting services by clinicians who provide focused care on particular types of treatment limited to a defined period and circumstance; the patient has a problem, acute or chronic, that will be treated with surgery, radiation, or some other type of generally time-limited intervention; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to, the orthopedic surgeon performing a knee replacement and seeing the patient through the postoperative period
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
2011-01-01 Changed Short description changed.
2006-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 2006.
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description
CasePilot

Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.

Ask about:
CPT Codes Guidelines Modifiers Crosswalks NCCI Edits Compliance Medicare Coverage
Example: "What is CPT code 99213?" or "Guidelines for E/M services"