Subtotal Vs. Total Colectomy Coding

A colectomy is the surgical removal of the first part of the large intestine, also referred to as the colon. This extensive procedure requires general anesthesia and is performed in an inpatient setting. A colectomy can be an open or laparoscopic procedure; therefore, recovery times vary greatly.

Total and Subtotal

• A total colectomy, also called Lane's Operation, is when the entire colon is removed. A subtotal or partial colectomy involves the resection of part of the colon without complete resection of the rectum.

Colectomy Purpose

• A colectomy is most commonly performed to remove large cancer lesions. Colectomies are also used to cure colon cancer that spread beyond the mucous membrane or intestinal wall, or is likely to recur at a later point in time.

Coding Total Vs. Subtotal

• Codes for colectomies range from 44140 to 44160. Use code 44140 for a partial (subtotal) colectomy. Code 44141 for a partial colectomy with cecostomy or colostomy. Use current procedural terminology (CPT) code 44150 to code a total colectomy without proctectomy and with ileostomy. Code 44155 would be used for a total colectomy with proctectomy and ileostomy. Codes 44205 to 44212 are used to code laparoscopic colectomies. Codes for billing are chosen by identifying the sections of the colon that have been removed during surgery.