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Official Description

Proctopexy (eg, for prolapse); perineal approach

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Proctopexy, specifically CPT® Code 45541, is a surgical procedure aimed at addressing rectal prolapse through a perineal approach. Rectal prolapse occurs when the rectum protrudes through the anus, which can lead to discomfort, incontinence, and other complications. This procedure involves a circumferential incision at the rectoanal junction, allowing for the mobilization of the rectum. Once mobilized, the rectal prolapse is reduced, meaning the rectum is repositioned back into its normal anatomical location. The rectum is then secured to the sacrum or sacral promontory using sutures, which helps to prevent future occurrences of prolapse. Following the fixation, the perineum is meticulously repaired in layers to ensure proper healing and restoration of the anatomical structure. This approach is distinct from other methods, such as those described in CPT® Codes 45540 and 45550, which involve different surgical techniques and incisions. The perineal approach is particularly beneficial for certain patients, providing a less invasive option compared to abdominal approaches while effectively addressing the condition.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

Proctopexy (CPT® Code 45541) is indicated for patients experiencing rectal prolapse, which may present with various symptoms and conditions. The following are the explicitly provided indications for this procedure:

  • Rectal Prolapse The primary indication for proctopexy is the presence of rectal prolapse, where the rectum protrudes through the anus, leading to potential complications such as discomfort, incontinence, and difficulty with bowel movements.

2. Procedure

The procedure for proctopexy via the perineal approach involves several critical steps, which are detailed as follows:

  • Step 1: Incision A circumferential incision is made at the rectoanal junction. This incision allows access to the rectum and surrounding structures, facilitating the subsequent steps of the procedure.
  • Step 2: Mobilization of the Rectum The rectum is carefully mobilized, which involves detaching it from surrounding tissues to allow for proper repositioning. This step is crucial for effectively addressing the prolapse.
  • Step 3: Reduction of Rectal Prolapse Once mobilized, the rectal prolapse is reduced, meaning the rectum is returned to its normal anatomical position within the pelvic cavity.
  • Step 4: Fixation The rectum is then fixed to the sacrum or sacral promontory using sutures. This fixation is essential to prevent recurrence of the prolapse and to stabilize the rectum in its corrected position.
  • Step 5: Perineal Repair After the rectum has been secured, the perineum is repaired in layers. This layered repair is important for ensuring proper healing and restoration of the perineal anatomy.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care following proctopexy involves monitoring for any complications and ensuring proper healing of the surgical site. Patients may be advised on activity restrictions and dietary modifications to promote recovery. It is important to follow up with the healthcare provider to assess the success of the procedure and to address any concerns that may arise during the recovery period.

Short Descr CORRECT RECTAL PROLAPSE
Medium Descr PROCTOPEXY PERINEAL APPROACH
Long Descr Proctopexy (eg, for prolapse); perineal approach
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 Hospital Part B services paid through a comprehensive APC
ASC Payment Indicator Non office-based surgical procedure added in CY 2008 or later; 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 96 - Other OR lower GI therapeutic procedures
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.
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.
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
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
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2006-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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