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Official Description

Repair of parastomal hernia, any approach (ie, open, laparoscopic, robotic), initial or recurrent, including implantation of mesh or other prosthesis, when performed; reducible

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 49621 refers to the surgical procedure for the repair of a parastomal hernia, which can be performed using various approaches, including open, laparoscopic, or robotic techniques. A parastomal hernia is characterized by the protrusion of bowel or other tissue through a defect that forms around an existing stoma, such as a colostomy. This condition can occur either initially or as a recurrence after previous surgical intervention. The procedure involves several critical steps, including the identification and dissection of adhesions, the excision of the hernia sac, and the careful closure of the defect to prevent future herniation. Additionally, the implantation of mesh or other prosthetic materials is often utilized to reinforce the abdominal wall and support the stoma, ensuring that the opening remains adequately sized to prevent complications while maintaining the integrity of the surrounding tissue. The procedure is designed to be thorough, addressing both the immediate repair of the hernia and the long-term prevention of recurrence.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure coded as CPT® 49621 is indicated for the repair of a parastomal hernia, which may present in the following scenarios:

  • Initial Parastomal Hernia The first occurrence of a hernia that develops around an existing stoma, requiring surgical intervention for repair.
  • Recurrent Parastomal Hernia A hernia that has reappeared after previous surgical repair, necessitating another surgical approach to correct the defect.
  • Reducible Hernia A hernia that can be pushed back into the abdominal cavity, allowing for a planned surgical repair without complications associated with incarceration or strangulation.

2. Procedure

The procedure for the repair of a parastomal hernia involves several detailed steps, which are as follows:

  • Step 1: Preparation and Marking The surgical team begins by marking the edges of the hernia defect, incisional lines, and the location of a new stoma site if necessary. This preparation is crucial for ensuring accurate placement and alignment during the repair.
  • Step 2: Accessing the Abdominal Cavity The stoma appliance is removed to gain access to the abdominal cavity. For laparoscopic approaches, a needle or trocar is inserted to establish pneumoperitoneum, followed by the introduction of a camera to visualize the surgical field. Additional trocars are placed laterally to facilitate the introduction of surgical instruments.
  • Step 3: Dissection of Adhesions The surgeon carefully dissects any adhesions surrounding the stoma, taking care to avoid injury to the stoma tissue. This step is critical for freeing the hernia sac and surrounding structures for proper repair.
  • Step 4: Identifying and Opening the Hernia Sac Once the adhesions are removed, the hernia sac is identified and opened. Any adhesions on the inner surface of the sac are dissected away before excising the sac itself.
  • Step 5: Closing the Defect The defect in the abdominal wall is sutured closed, ensuring that the fascial opening is appropriately sized for the stoma while being narrow enough to prevent future hernia recurrence.
  • Step 6: Mesh Placement For a parastomal colostomy hernia, the intestine proximal to the stoma is mobilized, and tension is verified. An appropriately sized mesh is then placed into the peritoneal cavity and fitted around the stoma to close the defect without narrowing the stoma opening.
  • Step 7: Securing the Mesh The mesh is secured to the anterior abdominal wall using sutures or tacks. The surgical site is then assessed for any signs of bleeding or injury to ensure proper hemostasis.
  • Step 8: Closing Incisions Finally, the incisions are closed, including any laparoscopic ports that are larger than 1 cm, completing the surgical repair of the parastomal hernia.

3. Post-Procedure

After the completion of the parastomal hernia repair, patients are typically monitored for any immediate complications, such as bleeding or infection. Post-operative care may include pain management, instructions for wound care, and guidelines for activity restrictions to promote healing. Patients are advised to follow up with their healthcare provider to assess the surgical site and ensure proper recovery. It is essential to monitor for any signs of recurrence or complications related to the stoma, as well as to evaluate the effectiveness of the mesh placement in preventing future hernias.

Short Descr RPR PARASTOMAL HERNIA RDC
Medium Descr RPR PARASTOMAL HERNIA 1ST/RECR REDUCIBLE
Long Descr Repair of parastomal hernia, any approach (ie, open, laparoscopic, robotic), initial or recurrent, including implantation of mesh or other prosthesis, when performed; reducible
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 000 - Endoscopic or Minor Procedure
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) none
MUE 1

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

49623 Add-on Code Resequenced Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N Removal of total or near total non-infected mesh or other prosthesis at the time of initial or recurrent anterior abdominal hernia repair or parastomal hernia repair, any approach (ie, open, laparoscopic, robotic) (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).
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.
76 Repeat procedure or service by same physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was repeated by the same physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 76 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
77 Repeat procedure by another physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a basic procedure or service was repeated by another physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 77 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
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).
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
CC Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed)
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
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
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)
XP Separate practitioner, a service that is distinct because it was performed by a different practitioner
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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2023-01-01 Added Code added.
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