TnRushFan
Guru
Hi all,
Our surgeon resected a mediastinal tumor via a transsternal approach. To obtain adequate exposure he removed the thymus gland. The assigned coder wants to code both, some of us agree but some of us think the thymus gland bundles in as part of the approach.
Any thoughts? References?
Thanks in advance
"A sternal saw was used to divide the manubrium to the level of the 2nd intercostal space. A sternal
retractor was placed. The innominate vein was identified and dissected. The
right and left thymic horns were dissected and resected to provide adequate
exposure. The mass was identified superior to the innominate vein and lateral to
the innominate artery. The mass was easily and carefully dissected from the
surrounding structures and soft tissue. The mass was resected in its entirety
and sent to pathology. No other abnormalities were noted."
Our surgeon resected a mediastinal tumor via a transsternal approach. To obtain adequate exposure he removed the thymus gland. The assigned coder wants to code both, some of us agree but some of us think the thymus gland bundles in as part of the approach.
Any thoughts? References?
Thanks in advance
"A sternal saw was used to divide the manubrium to the level of the 2nd intercostal space. A sternal
retractor was placed. The innominate vein was identified and dissected. The
right and left thymic horns were dissected and resected to provide adequate
exposure. The mass was identified superior to the innominate vein and lateral to
the innominate artery. The mass was easily and carefully dissected from the
surrounding structures and soft tissue. The mass was resected in its entirety
and sent to pathology. No other abnormalities were noted."