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Official Description

Laparoscopy, surgical; proctopexy (for prolapse)

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 45400 refers to a laparoscopic surgical technique known as proctopexy, which is performed to address rectal prolapse. Rectal prolapse occurs when the rectum protrudes through the anus, leading to various complications and discomfort for the patient. This minimally invasive approach involves making small incisions in the abdominal wall, typically near the umbilicus, to insert a trocar, which allows for the introduction of a laparoscope and other surgical instruments into the abdominal cavity. The establishment of pneumoperitoneum, or the inflation of the abdominal cavity with gas, is crucial for providing the surgeon with a clear view and working space. During the procedure, the surgeon inspects the abdominal cavity and carefully dissects the sigmoid colon and rectum from the presacral fascia, which is the connective tissue surrounding the sacrum. This mobilization is essential for accessing the rectum and addressing the prolapse effectively. The presacral space is then entered, allowing for further mobilization of the rectum. The rectal prolapse is reduced, and the segment of the colon that will be secured to the sacrum is identified. In some cases, a portion of the sigmoid colon and upper rectum may be resected to facilitate the reduction of the prolapse. The procedure also involves the interruption of the vascular supply to the affected area, which may include ligating and dividing the inferior mesenteric artery or the individual sigmoid arteries. This step is critical to ensure that the tissue can be safely manipulated and secured without excessive bleeding. The surgeon then transects the sigmoid colon and prepares for anastomosis, which is the surgical connection of the remaining segments of the colon and rectum. The laparoscopic approach allows for a less invasive procedure with potentially quicker recovery times compared to traditional open surgery. Overall, CPT® Code 45400 is utilized when the proctopexy is performed without the need for sigmoid colon resection, providing a targeted solution for rectal prolapse management.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The laparoscopic proctopexy procedure described by CPT® Code 45400 is indicated for patients experiencing rectal prolapse. This condition may present with various symptoms, including:

  • Rectal Prolapse: The primary indication for this procedure is the presence of rectal prolapse, where the rectum protrudes through the anus.
  • Discomfort or Pain: Patients may experience discomfort, pain, or a feeling of fullness in the rectal area due to the prolapse.
  • Incontinence: Some patients may suffer from fecal incontinence or difficulty controlling bowel movements as a result of the prolapse.
  • Bleeding: Rectal prolapse can lead to bleeding, particularly during bowel movements, which may necessitate surgical intervention.

2. Procedure

The laparoscopic proctopexy procedure involves several key steps, which are detailed as follows:

  • Step 1: A small portal incision is made near the umbilicus to facilitate the insertion of a trocar. This trocar serves as a conduit for the laparoscope and other surgical instruments.
  • Step 2: Pneumoperitoneum is established by inflating the abdominal cavity with gas, providing the surgeon with a clear view and working space to perform the procedure.
  • Step 3: Additional portal incisions are made, and trocars are placed in the upper and lower quadrants of the abdomen to allow for further access to the surgical site.
  • Step 4: The abdominal cavity is inspected to assess the condition of the sigmoid colon and rectum. The surgeon then dissects the sigmoid colon and rectum off the presacral fascia, mobilizing these structures for further intervention.
  • Step 5: The presacral space is entered, and the rectum is mobilized distally to facilitate the reduction of the rectal prolapse.
  • Step 6: The rectal prolapse is reduced, and the segment of the colon that will be attached to the sacrum is identified. In some cases, the sigmoid colon may be resected along with a portion of the upper rectum to allow for adequate reduction of the prolapse.
  • Step 7: The vascular supply to the affected area is interrupted by ligating and dividing the inferior mesenteric artery or the individual sigmoid arteries, ensuring safe manipulation of the tissue.
  • Step 8: The transection sites are identified, and clamps are placed above and below the proximal and distal transection sites to prepare for the resection.
  • Step 9: The sigmoid colon is transected distally, and a small muscle-splitting incision is made in the abdomen to exteriorize the proximal segment for further manipulation.
  • Step 10: The anvil of the stapler device is inserted into the remaining proximal segment and secured with a purse-string suture, ensuring a secure connection for the anastomosis.
  • Step 11: The proximal segment is returned to the abdomen, and the remaining sigmoid colon and rectum are anastomosed by a transanal approach, completing the connection between the two segments.
  • Step 12: The clamps are removed, and the rectum is fixed to the sacrum or sacral promontory with sutures to maintain its position and prevent recurrence of the prolapse.
  • Step 13: Finally, the laparoscope and trocars are removed, and the portal incisions are closed to complete the procedure.

3. Post-Procedure

After the laparoscopic proctopexy procedure, patients can expect a recovery period that may vary based on individual circumstances. Post-procedure care typically includes monitoring for any complications, managing pain, and ensuring proper healing of the incisions. Patients may be advised to follow a specific diet and gradually increase their activity levels as tolerated. It is essential to attend follow-up appointments to assess the surgical site and ensure that the rectal prolapse has been adequately addressed. Any signs of complications, such as excessive bleeding, infection, or recurrence of prolapse, should be reported to the healthcare provider promptly for further evaluation and management.

Short Descr LAPAROSCOPIC PROC
Medium Descr LAPAROSCOPY PROCTOPEXY PROLAPSE
Long Descr Laparoscopy, surgical; proctopexy (for prolapse)
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) 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 2 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery does not apply 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 Inpatient Procedures, not paid under OPPS
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P1G - Major procedure - Other
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 96 - Other OR lower GI therapeutic procedures

This is a primary code that can be used with these additional add-on codes.

49327 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 Laparoscopy, surgical; with placement of interstitial device(s) for radiation therapy guidance (eg, fiducial markers, dosimeter), intra-abdominal, intrapelvic, and/or retroperitoneum, including imaging guidance, if performed, single or multiple (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
22 Increased procedural services: when the work required to provide a service is substantially greater than typically required, it may be identified by adding modifier 22 to the usual procedure code. documentation must support the substantial additional work and the reason for the additional work (ie, increased intensity, time, technical difficulty of procedure, severity of patient's condition, physical and mental effort required). note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
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).
52 Reduced services: under certain circumstances a service or procedure is partially reduced or eliminated at the discretion of the physician or other qualified health care professional. under these circumstances the service provided can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 52, signifying that the service is reduced. this provides a means of reporting reduced services without disturbing the identification of the basic service. note: for hospital outpatient reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well-being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
53 Discontinued procedure: under certain circumstances, the physician or other qualified health care professional may elect to terminate a surgical or diagnostic procedure. due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, it may be necessary to indicate that a surgical or diagnostic procedure was started but discontinued. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 53 to the code reported by the individual for the discontinued procedure. note: this modifier is not used to report the elective cancellation of a procedure prior to the patient's anesthesia induction and/or surgical preparation in the operating suite. for outpatient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
58 Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was: (a) planned or anticipated (staged); (b) more extensive than the original procedure; or (c) for therapy following a surgical procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 58 to the staged or related procedure. note: for treatment of a problem that requires a return to the operating/procedure room (eg, unanticipated clinical condition), see modifier 78.
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.
62 Two surgeons: when 2 surgeons work together as primary surgeons performing distinct part(s) of a procedure, each surgeon should report his/her distinct operative work by adding modifier 62 to the procedure code and any associated add-on code(s) for that procedure as long as both surgeons continue to work together as primary surgeons. each surgeon should report the co-surgery once using the same procedure code. if additional procedure(s) (including add-on procedure(s) are performed during the same surgical session, separate code(s) may also be reported with modifier 62 added. note: if a co-surgeon acts as an assistant in the performance of additional procedure(s), other than those reported with the modifier 62, during the same surgical session, those services may be reported using separate procedure code(s) with modifier 80 or modifier 82 added, as appropriate.
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.)
79 Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: the individual may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by using modifier 79. (for repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier 76.)
80 Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s).
81 Minimum assistant surgeon: minimum surgical assistant services are identified by adding modifier 81 to the usual procedure number.
82 Assistant surgeon (when qualified resident surgeon not available): the unavailability of a qualified resident surgeon is a prerequisite for use of modifier 82 appended to the usual procedure code number(s).
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
GV Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
SA Nurse practitioner rendering service in collaboration with a physician
XE Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
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
2006-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 2006.
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