Laparoscopic surgical procedure converted to open procedure

This code signifies that a planned minimally invasive surgical procedure, initially performed using laparoscopic techniques, had to be abandoned and completed via a traditional open incision. This conversion typically occurs due to unforeseen complications, anatomical challenges, or the inability to safely complete the procedure laparoscopically.

This code is used when a surgeon begins a procedure laparoscopically but must switch to an open approach during the same operative session. Examples include a laparoscopic cholecystectomy converted to an open cholecystectomy due to severe inflammation or a laparoscopic colectomy converted to an open colectomy due to extensive adhesions.

• Always sequence this code after the definitive procedure code(s) for the completed open surgery.
• Ensure documentation clearly states the initial laparoscopic intent and the reason for conversion to an open approach.
• Do not use this code if the procedure was planned as an open procedure from the outset.