What is a Blebectomy?

These air sacs are removed during a blebectomy or bullectomy using VATS. This procedure removes the cause of your collapsed lung and reduces the risks of any further incidences on the side that has been operated on.

How is a bullectomy performed?

The surgeon will make a small incision near the armpit. They will use a small video camera to help guide the surgery, which is called video assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). They will cut out the affected areas, insert one or two breathing tubes into the chest, and then close the incision wound.

How do they remove blebs from lungs?

Pleurodesis – Surgery to remove small balloon-like tissues (blebs) that cause lung collapse (pneumothorax). The chest wall is then abraded to prevent recurrence.

How long does it take to recover from a bullectomy?

You’ll wake up from your bullectomy with a breathing tube in your chest and an intravenous tube. This can be uncomfortable, but pain medications can help manage the pain at first. You’ll stay in the hospital about three to seven days. Full recovery from a bullectomy usually takes a few weeks after the procedure.

What is the CPT code for Blebectomy?

with mechanical pleurodesis. The code I came up with is 32655.

Can a collapsed lung cause permanent damage?

After treatment, a collapsed lung usually begins working the way it should again. But atelectasis can cause permanent damage in some cases.

Is bullous emphysema curable?

Emphysema and COPD can’t be cured, but treatments can help relieve symptoms and slow the progression of the disease.

What does a lung bleb feel like?

A person with this condition may feel chest pain on the side of the collapsed lung and shortness of breath. Blebs may be present on an individual’s lung (or lungs) for a long time before they rupture. Many things can cause a bleb to rupture, such as changes in air pressure or a very sudden deep breath.

Are lung blebs serious?

If blebs become larger or come together to form a larger cyst, they are called bulla. Unless a pneumothorax occurs, or the bulla becomes very large, there are usually no symptoms. Patients with blebs will typically have emphysema.

Is bullectomy major surgery?

Bullectomy surgery is major surgery. You will need to undergo several tests before surgery in order to determine if the procedure is right for you and to make the procedure as safe as possible. You may require some or all of the following: Blood tests.

Which code represents removal of lung total pneumonectomy extrapleural with Empyemectomy?

“For extrapleural pneumonectomy, with empyemectomy, use 32445 and 32540. If a lung resection is performed with chest wall tumor resection, report the appropriate chest wall tumor resection code [21601, 21602, 21603] in addition to lung resection [32440-32445].”