2025 CPT code 32815
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Respiratory System Surgery Feed
Open closure of major bronchial fistula.
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances of the procedure, such as modifier 59 for a distinct procedural service if other procedures were performed during the same operative session.Additional modifiers such as those related to anesthesia (47) and assistant surgeon (80, 81, 82) might also be applied.
The procedure is medically necessary to address a persistent or recurrent bronchial fistula, which can lead to significant respiratory compromise, infection, and other life-threatening complications. Closure of the fistula is necessary to restore lung function and prevent further complications.
The surgical team prepares and drapes the patient. The surgeon exposes the fistula, creates a pedunculated flap from adjacent tissue, inserts the flap into the bronchus to seal it, sutures the flap in place, and may place drains or packing before final wound closure.
In simple words: The doctor closes a large abnormal passage (fistula) connecting a bronchus (airway in the lung) to another part of the body, like the lung lining or the skin of the chest wall.They do this by creating a flap of nearby tissue to seal the opening and prevent it from reopening.Drains or packing might be used before fully closing the incision.
Surgical closure of a major bronchial fistula, involving the creation of a pedunculated flap from adjacent tissue to block the fistula and prevent its reopening.The procedure may involve the use of drainage tubes or packing before final wound closure.The fistula may be bronchopleural (connecting bronchus and pleura) or bronchocutaneous (connecting bronchus, pleural space, and subcutaneous tissue).
Example 1: A patient presents with a persistent bronchopleural fistula following a lung resection.The surgeon performs an open thoracotomy to close the fistula using a pedunculated flap., A patient develops a bronchocutaneous fistula after a traumatic chest injury. The surgeon uses 32815 to describe the open surgical closure of the fistula using local tissue for flap creation and preventing further leakage., A patient with a history of tuberculosis presents with a chronic bronchopleural fistula. The surgeon performs the procedure, utilizing 32815 to document the closure technique and potential complications.
Preoperative imaging (e.g., chest X-ray, CT scan) demonstrating the fistula. Operative report detailing the surgical technique (including flap creation, placement, and suturing), size of fistula, and any drains or packing used.Postoperative imaging (e.g., chest X-ray) to confirm the successful closure of the fistula. Pathology report if any tissue sample was taken during the procedure.
** This code is used for the open surgical closure of a major bronchial fistula.The size of the fistula and the complexity of the repair influence the global surgical package.
- Revenue Code: P1G (MAJOR PROCEDURE - OTHER)
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Thoracic Surgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center