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VATS procedure with a mini thoracotomy

Date: Oct 1, 2019

Question:

What code would I use for a VATS procedure with a mini thoracotomy? "A thoracoscopic port was placed in the eighth intercostal space in the anterior axillary line. Initial surveillance was made and extensive adhesions noted. An additional port was placed in the fifth intercostal space in the anterior axillary line. The visualization was difficult given the adhesions. Therefore, this port site was enlarged to a mini thoracotomy in a muscle-sparing fashion. Sufficient adhesions were taken down to the upper lobe and some to the lower lobe leaving the lungs at the diaphragmatic level untouched. This allowed sufficient mobilization to realize that the fissure was totally incomplete except for a rudimentary line on the surface of the lung. The mass was palpable and was spanning the fissure. It was resected as a wedge specimen using an Echelon flex 45-mm stapler with thick tissue loads. Mediastinal lymph nodes were harvested from paraaortic position as well as levels 2 and 4. There were no hilar or subcarinal lymph nodes encountered. ProGEL was applied."

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