In simple words: The surgeon uses a small camera and instruments inserted through tiny incisions in the abdomen to cut apart scar tissue that has formed between the loops of intestine.

This code describes a laparoscopic procedure performed to release adhesions within the intestines.It is considered a distinct procedure and is not typically reported with other related procedures in the same anatomical area or performed through the same incision.

Example 1: A patient presents with chronic abdominal pain and a history of previous abdominal surgery. Diagnostic imaging suggests intestinal adhesions as the likely cause. The surgeon performs a laparoscopic enterolysis (44180) to address the adhesions., A patient with a history of multiple abdominal surgeries experiences small bowel obstruction. The surgeon performs a diagnostic laparoscopy and finds dense intestinal adhesions. A laparoscopic enterolysis (44180) is then performed to relieve the obstruction., During a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the surgeon encounters significant intestinal adhesions that are separate from the gallbladder area. The surgeon performs a separate laparoscopic enterolysis (44180) to address these adhesions, as they may be causing discomfort or potential future complications.

Documentation should clearly describe the extent and location of the adhesions, the methods used for lysis, the time spent on adhesiolysis, and any complications encountered. If the adhesiolysis is unusually complex, this should be documented to support the use of modifier 22.

** It is crucial to differentiate between lysis of adhesions that is considered an integral part of another procedure and lysis of adhesions requiring a separate code. The documentation should support the medical necessity for the enterolysis as a distinct procedure.