What is the coding for percutaneous nephrostomy?

The coding for percutaneous nephrostomy is correctly classified as extirpation. This procedure involves removing or clearing away unwanted material from the kidney or renal pelvis, specifically addressing issues like kidney obstruction by decompressing the renal collecting system. In this context, extirpation best represents the surgical goal of the procedure, which is to eliminate an obstruction and restore normal function.

Other categories, such as resection, dilation, and exploration, denote different types of procedures. Resection generally refers to the removal of a part of an organ or structure, dilation focuses on widening a narrowed area, and exploration involves a surgical investigation without specific intent to remove. Each of these does not align with the primary intent and definition of a nephrostomy, which is focused on the removal of obstructions rather than altering or inspecting structures. Thus, extirpation is the most precise and fitting code for a percutaneous nephrostomy.