Guidance
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) issued full guidance to the NHS in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland on Minimally invasive oesophagectomy.
This document replaces previous guidance on thoracoscopically assisted oesophagectomy (NICE interventional procedures guidance 189, August 2006).
Description
Minimally invasive oesophagectomy can be used to remove part of the oesophagus (gullet), usually because of cancer. The procedure involves making small cuts or holes in the chest wall and inserting a camera and other instruments into the chest cavity in order to carry out the operation on the oesophagus.
Coding recommendations
The codes are dependent upon the extent of the excision; the procedure is classified using codes from one of the following two categories and fourth character detail will be required:
G02.- Total excision of oesophagus
Y74.4 Thoracoscopic video-assisted approach to thoracic cavity
or
G03.- Partial excision of oesophagus
Y74.4 Thoracoscopic video-assisted approach to thoracic cavity