CPT® Code 47381

An open ablation of one or more liver tumors involves a surgical procedure where tumors located in the liver are targeted for destruction. This procedure is performed through a midline incision in the abdomen, allowing the surgeon to access the liver directly. During the operation, any adhesions that may obstruct access to the liver are carefully lysed, which involves both blunt and sharp dissection techniques. The abdominal cavity is thoroughly inspected to identify any extrahepatic tumors or other abnormalities that may be present. Once the liver is mobilized, all eight hepatic segments are examined to locate the tumors. In the context of CPT® Code 47381, cryosurgical ablation is specifically utilized to treat the liver tumors. This technique involves the insertion of one or more cryoprobes into the tumor, which initiates a freeze cycle that creates an ice ball around the tumor. The freezing process is critical as it effectively destroys the tumor tissue. After the freeze cycle, the tissue is thawed, and the site is monitored to ensure complete destruction of the tumor along with a margin of healthy tissue. It is important to note that multiple freeze-thaw cycles may be necessary to achieve total necrosis of the tumor. This procedure is repeated for each tumor until all targeted tumors have been successfully ablated. Following the completion of the ablation, any gas within the abdomen is released, and the surgical instruments are removed before closing the portal incisions.