CPT® Code 47620

Cholecystectomy with exploration of common duct; with transduodenal sphincterotomy or sphincteroplasty, with or without cholangiography

The procedure described by CPT® Code 47620 involves a cholecystectomy, which is the surgical removal of the gallbladder, performed using an open surgical technique. This procedure is accompanied by exploration of the common bile duct, which is a critical pathway for bile drainage from the liver to the intestine. During this operation, a transduodenal sphincterotomy or sphincteroplasty is performed, which involves making an incision in the sphincter muscle to facilitate access to the common bile duct. The procedure may also include cholangiography, a diagnostic imaging technique used to visualize the bile ducts. The surgical approach typically begins with an incision in the upper abdomen, often in the right subcostal region, allowing the surgeon to access the gallbladder and surrounding structures. The operation requires careful dissection to expose the cystic duct and artery, ligation of the cystic duct, and removal of the gallbladder from its hepatic bed. Intraoperative cholangiography may be performed to assess the bile ducts for any obstructions or stones. The common bile duct is then explored to remove any calculi, and a sphincterotomy or sphincteroplasty is conducted to ensure proper bile flow. The procedure concludes with the removal of the gallbladder and closure of the incision, often with the placement of drains to facilitate recovery.