Ask Dr. Z

Would the unlisted vascular surgery CPT be used? "DX: intraoperative hemorrhage. The patient was undergoing a TAH, and significant bleeding was encountered deep in the pelvis that proved difficult to isolate and control. The provider was called to the OR to assist in isolation and control of the source of the hemorrhage. The patient was already under general anesthesia with her peritoneal cavity exposed via a midline laparotomy incision. The peritoneum was copiously irrigated and examined. Several small areas of bleeding were controlled with cautery. The area was carefully examined, and better exposure was achieved by ligating and dividing several small bundles of tissue. A 2-3 mm diameter thin-walled vascular structure was identified and noted to be bleeding steadily. The vessel was then oversewn with 0 vicryl suture. Hemostasis was excellent. The peritoneum was again inspected and copiously irrigated, and no further bleeding was evident. At this time, the provider scrubbed out and left the abdominal closure to the OBGYN team."