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Official Description

Laparoscopy, surgical; proctopexy (for prolapse), with sigmoid resection

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 45402 involves a laparoscopic surgical technique known as proctopexy, which is specifically performed to address rectal prolapse. Rectal prolapse is a condition where the rectum, the final section of the large intestine, becomes displaced and protrudes through the anus. This can lead to various complications, including discomfort, difficulty with bowel movements, and potential damage to surrounding tissues. During this minimally invasive procedure, the physician utilizes a laparoscope—a thin, lighted tube equipped with a camera—to visualize the internal structures of the abdomen. Alongside the laparoscope, additional surgical instruments are inserted to facilitate the repair of the prolapse. In cases where the prolapsed section of the lower colon is also affected, the procedure may include a sigmoid resection, which involves the surgical removal of the affected portion of the sigmoid colon. This comprehensive approach aims to restore normal anatomy and function while minimizing recovery time and postoperative complications associated with traditional open surgery.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure is indicated for patients experiencing rectal prolapse, which may present with various symptoms and conditions that necessitate surgical intervention. The following are explicitly provided indications for performing this procedure:

  • Rectal Prolapse The primary indication for this procedure is the presence of rectal prolapse, where the rectum protrudes through the anus, leading to discomfort and potential complications.
  • Associated Symptoms Patients may experience symptoms such as fecal incontinence, difficulty with bowel movements, or rectal bleeding, which can warrant surgical correction.
  • Failure of Conservative Treatments The procedure is typically indicated when conservative management strategies, such as dietary modifications or pelvic floor exercises, have failed to alleviate the condition.

2. Procedure

The laparoscopic proctopexy with sigmoid resection involves several key procedural steps, each critical to the successful outcome of the surgery. The following outlines the detailed steps of the procedure:

  • Step 1: Anesthesia Administration The procedure begins with the administration of general anesthesia to ensure the patient is completely unconscious and pain-free throughout the surgery.
  • Step 2: Laparoscope Insertion Once the patient is anesthetized, the surgeon makes small incisions in the abdomen to insert the laparoscope. This instrument allows for visualization of the surgical field on a monitor, guiding the surgeon during the procedure.
  • Step 3: Exploration and Assessment The surgeon carefully explores the abdominal cavity to assess the extent of the rectal prolapse and any associated conditions that may require attention.
  • Step 4: Proctopexy Procedure The next step involves the surgical fixation of the rectum to the surrounding structures to prevent further prolapse. This is achieved using sutures or other fixation devices, ensuring the rectum is securely positioned.
  • Step 5: Sigmoid Resection (if indicated) If the surgeon identifies a need to remove the prolapsed portion of the lower colon, a sigmoid resection is performed. This involves excising the affected segment of the sigmoid colon and reattaching the remaining sections to restore continuity of the bowel.
  • Step 6: Closure of Incisions After completing the necessary repairs, the surgeon carefully closes the incisions using sutures or staples, ensuring minimal scarring and promoting optimal healing.

3. Post-Procedure

Following the laparoscopic proctopexy with sigmoid resection, patients can expect a recovery period that may vary based on individual circumstances. Post-procedure care typically includes monitoring for any signs of complications, such as infection or excessive bleeding. Patients are often advised to gradually resume normal activities, with specific instructions regarding diet and physical activity to promote healing. Pain management may be necessary, and follow-up appointments will be scheduled to assess recovery progress and address any concerns. It is essential for patients to adhere to their healthcare provider's recommendations to ensure a successful recovery and minimize the risk of recurrence of rectal prolapse.

Short Descr LAP PROCTOPEXY W/SIG RESECT
Medium Descr LAPAROSCOPY PROCTOPEXY PROLAPSE SIGMOID RESCJ
Long Descr Laparoscopy, surgical; proctopexy (for prolapse), with sigmoid resection
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 78 - Colorectal resection

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)
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).
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.
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).
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).
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
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
Date
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Notes
2006-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 2006.
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