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Official Description

Umbilectomy, omphalectomy, excision of umbilicus (separate procedure)

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 49250 refers to an umbilectomy, also known as omphalectomy, which involves the surgical excision of the umbilicus. This procedure is categorized as a separate procedure, meaning it is performed independently and not as part of a more extensive surgical operation. The umbilicus, commonly known as the belly button, is a significant anatomical structure that connects the fetus to the placenta during gestation. In this surgical intervention, the approach to the umbilical structures can be made either through the umbilicus itself or via an infraumbilical incision, which is located just below the umbilicus. During the procedure, the surgeon carefully explores the umbilicus to identify all relevant structures, including the umbilical vein and arteries, as well as the median umbilical ligament, also referred to as the urachus. The urachus is a remnant of the embryonic development that connects the bladder to the umbilicus. The excision of the urachus and any omphalomesenteric remnants, which are remnants of the yolk sac, is a critical part of the procedure. After the necessary structures are excised, the surgeon proceeds to close the umbilical ring and subsequently the skin over the umbilicus, ensuring that the final appearance of the umbilicus remains normal and aesthetically pleasing. This procedure is typically indicated in cases where there are abnormalities or complications associated with the umbilical structures.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure of umbilectomy (omphalectomy) is indicated for various conditions related to the umbilical structures. These indications may include:

  • Umbilical abnormalities - Conditions such as umbilical hernias or other structural anomalies that may require surgical intervention.
  • Infection - Presence of infections in the umbilical area that do not respond to conservative treatment and necessitate surgical excision.
  • Remnants of embryonic structures - The presence of omphalomesenteric remnants or urachal remnants that may lead to complications if not removed.
  • Neoplasms - Tumors or growths in the umbilical region that require excision for diagnosis or treatment.

2. Procedure

The procedure of umbilectomy involves several critical steps that ensure the effective excision of the umbilicus and associated structures. The steps are as follows:

  • Step 1: Incision - The surgeon begins by making an incision either through the umbilicus or an infraumbilical incision. This approach allows for direct access to the underlying structures while minimizing trauma to surrounding tissues.
  • Step 2: Exploration - Once the incision is made, the surgeon carefully explores the umbilical area. This exploration is crucial for identifying all relevant anatomical structures, including the umbilical vein, umbilical arteries, and the median umbilical ligament (urachus).
  • Step 3: Excision - After identifying the necessary structures, the surgeon excises the urachus and any omphalomesenteric remnants. This step is vital to prevent future complications associated with these embryonic remnants.
  • Step 4: Closure of the Umbilical Ring - Following the excision, the surgeon closes the umbilical ring to restore the integrity of the abdominal wall.
  • Step 5: Skin Closure - Finally, the skin is closed over the umbilicus. The surgeon takes care to ensure that the closure maintains a normal-appearing umbilicus, which is important for both functional and aesthetic reasons.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care following an umbilectomy involves monitoring the surgical site for signs of infection and ensuring proper healing. Patients may be advised to keep the area clean and dry, and to follow any specific wound care instructions provided by the surgeon. Recovery time can vary depending on the individual and the extent of the procedure, but patients are generally expected to resume normal activities within a few weeks. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to assess healing and address any concerns that may arise during the recovery process.

Short Descr EXCISION OF UMBILICUS
Medium Descr UMBILECTOMY OMPHALECTOMY EXC UMBILICUS SPX
Long Descr Umbilectomy, omphalectomy, excision of umbilicus (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) 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply.
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 99 - Other OR gastrointestinal 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).
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).
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.)
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
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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