ICD-10-PCS Billable Code

07VL0CZ

Restriction Cisterna Chyli to No Qualifier with Extraluminal Device, Open Approach

Procedural Specifications

Clinical Axis Detail Definition
Section0 Medical and Surgical
Body System7 Lymphatic and Hemic Systems
OperationV Restriction
Body PartL Cisterna Chyli
Approach0 Open
DeviceC Extraluminal Device
QualifierZ No Qualifier

Operation Definition

Partially closing an orifice or the lumen of a tubular body part

Procedure Overview

Restriction procedures in this body system narrow a duct or vessel without closing it off completely, and the primary clinical use is managing chylous leaks from the thoracic duct or its tributaries. When lymphatic fluid rich in fat is leaking into the chest or abdomen after surgery or trauma, a surgeon can place a clip or suture around the duct to partially constrict it, slowing or stopping the leak while preserving some flow so the lymphatic system is not completely obstructed. This approach is used when a full ligation is not desired or when a partial narrowing is judged sufficient to control the leak.

For the patient, controlling a chylous leak matters because ongoing loss of lymphatic fluid can lead to malnutrition, immune compromise, and prolonged hospitalization, so timely narrowing of the leaking channel is an important part of recovery after chest or abdominal surgery.

Anatomy & Axis Detail

Cisterna Chyli

The cisterna chyli is a dilated lymphatic sac situated in front of the first two lumbar vertebrae, collecting chyle from the intestinal and lumbar lymphatic trunks before it ascends into the thoracic duct. Restriction here narrows its lumen, most often to control a leak or an abnormal high-flow connection contributing to chylous ascites or chylothorax when more conservative measures have failed. Because the structure sits deep in the retroperitoneum near the aorta and cisterna-adjacent vasculature, access is typically achieved percutaneously under image guidance, with a coil, plug, or glue-based device used to partially occlude flow rather than an open surgical band. Documentation should reflect the percutaneous approach and the specific device category, since these cases are frequently performed as part of a broader lymphatic intervention for refractory chylous leakage.

Approach: Open

Open approach means the surgeon cuts through skin, mucous membrane, or other tissue layers to physically expose the target site to view before performing the procedure. It gives direct visualization and hands-on access, distinguishing it from Percutaneous approaches where instruments pass through a small puncture without exposing the site. Open is typical for procedures needing wide access, such as most laparotomies.

Device: Extraluminal Device

Extraluminal Device describes a device positioned on the outside surface of a tubular or hollow body part rather than within its lumen, such as a vascular banding or external stabilization device. It is the structural counterpart to Intraluminal Device, distinguished by its external placement relative to the vessel or duct wall rather than sitting inside the passageway itself.

Coding & Documentation

Coders assign this family when documentation describes narrowing the thoracic duct or another lymphatic channel with a clip, band, or suture without fully occluding it, typically to control a chyle leak. The key documentation detail is the word describing the degree of closure; if the note states the duct was completely ligated or tied off, that points to Occlusion instead. A common mistake is coding Restriction by default for any duct ligation procedure without confirming from the operative report whether the closure was partial or complete.

Commonly Confused With

OcclusionOcclusion is the closest family and is distinguished purely by completeness: full closure of the duct is Occlusion, partial narrowing that leaves some flow is Restriction.
RepairRepair is used instead when the duct wall itself is being sutured closed after a tear without the intent to narrow the lumen for flow control, which is a different clinical goal than restricting chyle leakage.