2025 CPT code 32488
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Respiratory System Surgery Feed
Removal of lung, other than pneumonectomy; with all remaining lung following previous removal of a portion of lung (completion pneumonectomy).
Modifiers may be applicable in certain circumstances (e.g., -59 for a distinct procedural service).
Medical necessity for this procedure must be documented and should demonstrate that less extensive procedures are insufficient or inappropriate. Reasons might include recurrent malignancy, progression of lung disease, complications from previous surgery, or severe functional impairment.
The surgeon prepares the patient and administers anesthesia. An incision is made in the chest (sternotomy or thoracotomy). Ribs may be spread apart to expose the lungs. The remaining lung tissue is collapsed, and blood vessels are tied off. The air tube to the diseased lung is clamped and cut. The remaining lung portion is removed, and a chest tube may be inserted for drainage. The surgeon ensures the air tube isn't leaking and closes the incision.
In simple words: This procedure involves removing the rest of a lung after a part of it was already taken out in a previous surgery.
This code describes a completion pneumonectomy, a surgical procedure where the surgeon removes the entire remaining lung tissue after a prior lobectomy (removal of a lobe) or segmentectomy (removal of a segment) of the same lung.This is distinct from a total pneumonectomy (removal of the whole lung in one operation).
Example 1: A patient had a right lower lobectomy two years ago for lung cancer. Now, the cancer has recurred in the remaining right lung tissue, and the patient undergoes a completion right pneumonectomy (code 32488)., A patient with bronchiectasis affecting the left lung had a left upper lobectomy performed. Due to worsening symptoms and spread of the disease, a completion left pneumonectomy is required., A child with a congenital lung malformation underwent a segmentectomy. Over time, the function of the remaining lung segments deteriorated, making a completion pneumonectomy necessary.
Documentation should include operative report detailing the procedure, the reason for the completion pneumonectomy, previous lung surgery details (lobectomy or segmentectomy), intraoperative findings, and postoperative course.
** This code is for the removal of the remaining lung tissue following a previous partial lung resection. It is not used for the initial removal of a whole lung (total pneumonectomy).
- Revenue Code: P1G
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Thoracic Surgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital