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Official Description

Ligation and division of short saphenous vein at saphenopopliteal junction (separate procedure)

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 37780 refers to the surgical procedure known as the ligation and division of the short saphenous vein at the saphenopopliteal junction. This procedure is classified as a separate procedure, indicating that it is performed independently and is not part of a more extensive surgical intervention. The short saphenous vein is a superficial vein located in the leg, and its ligation and division are typically indicated in cases where there are issues such as varicose veins or venous insufficiency. During the procedure, a surgical incision is made over the saphenopopliteal junction, which is the area where the short saphenous vein connects to the popliteal vein. The surgeon carefully exposes the short saphenous vein and identifies any venous branches that may need to be addressed. These branches are dissected, ligated with sutures, and divided to prevent blood flow through them. The main short saphenous vein is then clamped at the junction, divided below the clamp, and secured with sutures to ensure proper closure. Finally, the incisions made during the procedure are closed in a layered fashion to promote optimal healing and minimize scarring.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The ligation and division of the short saphenous vein at the saphenopopliteal junction (CPT® Code 37780) is indicated for specific conditions related to venous health. The following are the primary indications for this procedure:

  • Varicose Veins - The procedure is often performed to treat varicose veins that are symptomatic or causing discomfort.
  • Venous Insufficiency - It is indicated in cases of chronic venous insufficiency where the short saphenous vein contributes to venous reflux.
  • Cosmetic Concerns - Patients may seek this procedure for cosmetic reasons to improve the appearance of the legs affected by prominent varicosities.

2. Procedure

The procedure for ligation and division of the short saphenous vein at the saphenopopliteal junction involves several critical steps, each performed with precision to ensure successful outcomes. The following outlines the procedural steps:

  • Step 1: Incision - The surgeon begins by making an incision over the saphenopopliteal junction, which is the anatomical site where the short saphenous vein meets the popliteal vein. This incision allows access to the vein and surrounding structures.
  • Step 2: Exposure of the Short Saphenous Vein - Once the incision is made, the surgeon carefully dissects the tissue to expose the short saphenous vein. This step is crucial for visualizing the vein and any associated venous branches that may need to be addressed during the procedure.
  • Step 3: Ligation and Division of Venous Branches - The surgeon identifies venous branches along the short saphenous vein. These branches are meticulously dissected, and each is ligated with sutures to prevent blood flow before being divided. This step is essential to ensure that the ligation is effective and that there is no residual venous flow.
  • Step 4: Clamping and Division of the Short Saphenous Vein - After addressing the branches, the short saphenous vein is clamped at the saphenopopliteal junction. The vein is then divided below the clamp, which allows for the removal of the segment of the vein that is contributing to the patient's symptoms.
  • Step 5: Suture Ligation - Following the division, the short saphenous vein is secured with sutures to ensure that it remains closed and to prevent any potential bleeding from the cut ends of the vein.
  • Step 6: Closure of Incisions - Finally, the incisions made during the procedure are closed in a layered fashion. This technique promotes optimal healing and minimizes the risk of complications such as infection or excessive scarring.

3. Post-Procedure

After the ligation and division of the short saphenous vein, patients typically require post-procedure care to ensure proper recovery. It is common for patients to experience some swelling and discomfort in the affected leg, which can be managed with prescribed pain relief medications. Patients are often advised to keep the leg elevated to reduce swelling and to avoid strenuous activities for a specified period. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to monitor the healing process and to assess the effectiveness of the procedure. Additionally, patients may receive instructions on wound care to prevent infection and promote healing. It is important for patients to adhere to these guidelines to achieve the best possible outcomes following the procedure.

Short Descr REVISION OF LEG VEIN
Medium Descr LIGJ & DIV SHORT SAPH VEIN SAPHENOPOP JUNCT SPX
Long Descr Ligation and division of short saphenous vein at saphenopopliteal junction (separate procedure)
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) P5E - Ambulatory procedures - other
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 53 - Varicose vein stripping, lower limb
50 Bilateral procedure: unless otherwise identified in the listings, bilateral procedures that are performed at the same session, should be identified by adding modifier 50 to the appropriate 5 digit code. note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
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.
78 Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician or other qualified health care professional following initial procedure for a related procedure during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that another procedure was performed during the postoperative period of the initial procedure (unplanned procedure following initial procedure). when this procedure is related to the first, and requires the use of an operating/procedure room, it may be reported by adding modifier 78 to the related procedure. (for repeat procedures, see modifier 76.)
CC Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed)
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
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)
SG Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
Date
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Notes
2013-01-01 Changed Medium Descriptor changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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