Ask Dr. Z

We are hoping for guidance on a CPT code for when a stent is placed through the ileal conduit. I have a case where the patient presents with a stricture in his ileal conduit at the ureteral anastomosis causing hydronephrosis. "Through the Berenstein catheter, a Super Stiff Amplatz wire was advanced until it passed through the urostomy orifice. The wire was partially pulled through, and the catheter was removed. A pigtail catheter was then advanced in a retrograde fashion such that the pigtail loop was located in the renal pelvis. The wire was removed, and the catheter was locked into position. Final imaging shows the pigtail loop appropriately positioned within the renal pelvis."