CPT® Code 47537

Removal of biliary drainage catheter, percutaneous, requiring fluoroscopic guidance (eg, with concurrent indwelling biliary stents), including diagnostic cholangiography when performed, imaging guidance (eg, fluoroscopy), and all associated radiological supervision and interpretation

The procedure described by CPT® Code 47537 involves the removal of a percutaneous biliary drainage catheter, which is a tube inserted into the biliary system to facilitate the drainage of bile. This procedure is typically performed after successful decompression of the biliary system and the placement of internal biliary stents. The need for this intervention often arises due to various obstructions in the biliary system, which can be caused by conditions such as gallstones, tumors, infections, inflammation, or trauma. In many cases, the treatment of such obstructions requires a series of staged procedures. Initially, an external biliary catheter may be placed, which can later be converted to an internal-external system. Following this, internal stents are placed to maintain bile flow. After a period of monitoring, typically 1-2 days, the patient returns for fluoroscopic imaging, known as cholangiography, to ensure that the stent is functioning properly and that bile is adequately flowing into the duodenum. Once confirmed, the percutaneous biliary catheter is removed, and the skin incision is closed. The procedure encapsulated by Code 47537 includes all necessary imaging guidance, such as fluoroscopy, as well as the required radiological supervision and interpretation of the images during the catheter removal process.