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The procedure described by CPT® Code 37718 involves the surgical intervention known as ligation, division, and stripping of the short saphenous vein. This procedure is typically performed to address issues related to venous insufficiency or varicose veins in the lower extremities. The short saphenous vein, which runs along the back of the leg, is targeted in this operation. The process begins with the physician making an incision at the saphenopopliteal junction, which is the area where the short saphenous vein connects to the popliteal vein behind the knee. This incision allows for direct access to the vein, enabling the surgeon to expose it and any venous branches that may require treatment. During the procedure, the surgeon meticulously dissects the venous branches along the short saphenous vein, ligating and dividing them as necessary to prevent bleeding and ensure proper removal of the vein. A second incision is made in the calf region to access the distal portion of the short saphenous vein. The vein is clamped at both proximal and distal ends to control blood flow, after which the distal end is ligated and divided. The use of a stripper, a specialized surgical instrument, allows the surgeon to remove the vein effectively. The stripper is inserted into the vein and advanced to the saphenopopliteal junction, where the proximal aspect of the vein is also ligated and divided. Finally, the stripper is tied to the proximal end of the short saphenous vein and pulled out through the calf incision, completing the procedure. This method is designed to alleviate symptoms associated with venous disorders and improve overall venous function in the affected leg.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The ligation, division, and stripping of the short saphenous vein, as described by CPT® Code 37718, is indicated for various conditions related to venous insufficiency. The following are the primary indications for this procedure:
The procedure for ligation, division, and stripping of the short saphenous vein involves several critical steps to ensure effective removal of the vein while minimizing complications. The following outlines the procedural steps:
After the ligation, division, and stripping of the short saphenous vein, patients typically require post-procedure care to ensure proper healing and recovery. It is common for patients to experience some swelling and discomfort in the affected leg, which can be managed with pain relief medications as prescribed by the physician. Compression stockings may be recommended to support venous return and reduce swelling. Patients are usually advised to avoid strenuous activities and to elevate the leg to promote healing. Follow-up appointments are essential to monitor the surgical site for any signs of complications, such as infection or excessive bleeding. The expected recovery time can vary, but many patients can resume normal activities within a few weeks, depending on their overall health and the extent of the procedure.
| Short Descr | LIG DIV&STRPG SHORT SAPH VN | Medium Descr | LIG DIV & STRIPPING SHORT SAPHENOUS VEIN | Long Descr | Ligation, division, and stripping, short saphenous vein | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | 090 - Major Surgery | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 0 - Physician Service Code | Multiple Procedures (51) | 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply. | Bilateral Surgery (50) | 1 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures applies. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 1 - Statutory payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure... | Co-Surgeons (62) | 1 - Co-surgeons could be paid, though supporting documentation is required... | Team Surgery (66) | 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Diagnostic Imaging Family | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply | APC Status Indicator | Hospital Part B services paid through a comprehensive APC | ASC Payment Indicator | Surgical procedure on ASC list in CY 2007; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight. | Type of Service (TOS) | 2 - Surgery | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | P1G - Major procedure - Other | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 53 - Varicose vein stripping, lower limb |
| 51 | Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d). | 59 | Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25. | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | LT | Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body) | RT | Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body) |
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| 2025-01-01 | Changed | Short and Medium Descriptions changed. |
| 2013-01-01 | Changed | Medium Descriptor changed. |
| 2006-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 2006. |
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