Abdominal surgeries can feel like a PCS maze. Is it a resection or an excision? Was that exploratory laparotomy separately reportable? When does a lysis of adhesions count as a coded procedure? This session breaks down the complexities of coding abdominal surgeries and provides clarity on root operations, approach, and documentation requirements. We’ll walk through common general surgery procedures — appendectomies, bowel resections, exploratory laparotomies, and drain placements — and highlight where coders and CDI specialists run into trouble. With case-based examples, attendees will learn to apply PCS logic accurately while identifying missed coding opportunities and documentation gaps.