AAPC Certified Professional Coder (CPC) — Question 25

The documentation states:
He was then sterilely prepped and draped along the flank and abdomen in the usual sterile fashion. I first made a skin incision off the tip of the twelfth rib, extending medially along the banger’s lines of the skin. This was approximately 3.5 cm in length. Once this incision was carried sharply, electrocautery was used to gain access through the external oblique, internal oblique, and transverse abdominis musculature and fascia.
What surgical approach was used for this procedure?

Answer options

• A. Percutaneous
• B. Laparoscopic
• C. Cannot determine based on the documentation
• D. Open

Correct answer: D

Explanation

The correct answer is 'Open' because the description indicates a skin incision and the use of electrocautery to access abdominal muscles, which are characteristics of an open surgical approach. The other options are incorrect as they refer to techniques that would not involve such a wide incision or direct access through the abdominal wall.