CPT® Code 74283

A therapeutic enema utilizing either air or contrast material is a medical procedure aimed at addressing specific gastrointestinal conditions, particularly intussusception and intraluminal obstructions such as meconium ileus. Intussusception occurs when a segment of the intestine invaginates or telescopes into an adjacent segment, leading to potential inflammation, swelling, and obstruction of the bowel. This condition can result in severe abdominal pain, distension, and other gastrointestinal symptoms. Meconium ileus, on the other hand, is a condition primarily seen in newborns, characterized by the failure to pass meconium, the first stool, which can lead to intestinal blockage. The therapeutic enema serves both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, as it involves a radiologic examination of the lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract, including the rectum, colon, and potentially the appendix and distal small intestine. The procedure is typically performed in emergency settings, where patients present with symptoms such as abdominal pain, vomiting, or abnormal bowel movements. The process begins with imaging the abdomen to assess the condition, followed by the insertion of a small tube into the rectum through which barium contrast or air is introduced under pressure. This method not only aids in visualizing the lower GI tract through fluoroscopy but also has the potential to resolve the obstruction by applying pressure to the affected area, thereby restoring normal intestinal function.