CPT® Code 45171

The CPT® Code 45171 refers to the excision of a rectal tumor using a transanal approach, specifically indicating that the procedure involves a partial thickness excision. This means that during the surgery, the excision does not extend into the muscularis propria, which is the thick muscle layer of the rectum responsible for its contraction. Instead, the excision may include the rectal mucosa, the muscularis mucosa, and the submucosa, which are the inner layers of the rectum. The transanal approach allows for direct access to the rectum through the anal canal, facilitating the removal of tumors located within this area. The procedure is typically performed with the assistance of an anoscope, a tubular instrument that helps visualize the rectal cavity and locate the tumor accurately. The excised tumor is sent for pathological evaluation to ensure that the margins are clear of cancerous cells, which is crucial for determining the success of the excision and planning any further treatment if necessary.