CPT® Code 45383

Deleted

Colonoscopy, flexible, proximal to splenic flexure; with ablation of tumor(s), polyp(s), or other lesion(s) not amenable to removal by hot biopsy forceps, bipolar cautery or snare technique

A flexible colonoscopy is a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure that involves the insertion of a colonoscope, a long, flexible tube equipped with a camera and light, into the rectum and advancing it through the colon. This specific procedure, identified by CPT® Code 45383, is performed proximal to the splenic flexure, which is the bend in the colon located near the spleen. The primary purpose of this procedure is to address tumors, polyps, or other lesions that cannot be removed using standard techniques such as hot biopsy forceps, bipolar cautery, or snare technique. Instead, ablation is employed, which refers to the destruction of the lesion using alternative methods, such as laser ablation. During the procedure, the colon is thoroughly examined for any signs of disease or injury, and once a lesion is identified, the ablation technique is applied. This process involves delivering a laser device through the endoscope to the lesion's proximal margin and systematically ablating the lesion as the endoscope is retracted, ensuring complete destruction of the targeted tissue. This procedure is crucial for managing lesions that pose a risk of malignancy or other complications, providing a minimally invasive option for treatment while allowing for thorough visualization of the colon's interior.