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Official Description

Backbench standard preparation of cadaver donor renal allograft prior to transplantation, including dissection and removal of perinephric fat, diaphragmatic and retroperitoneal attachments, excision of adrenal gland, and preparation of ureter(s), renal vein(s), and renal artery(s), ligating branches, as necessary

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Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 50323 refers to the backbench standard preparation of a cadaver donor renal allograft prior to transplantation. This procedure is a critical step in the kidney transplant process, ensuring that the organ is adequately prepared for successful implantation into the recipient. The preparation involves several meticulous steps, including the dissection and removal of perinephric fat, which is the fatty tissue surrounding the kidney, as well as the dissection of diaphragmatic and retroperitoneal attachments that may hinder the transplant process. Additionally, the adrenal gland is excised during this preparation phase. The renal vessels, including the ureters, renal veins, and renal arteries, are also prepared, with ligation of branches as necessary to prevent complications such as bleeding or lymphocele formation post-transplant. This comprehensive preparation is essential for optimizing the viability of the kidney and ensuring a successful transplant outcome.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The backbench standard preparation of a cadaver donor renal allograft is indicated for the following:

  • Kidney Transplantation This procedure is performed to prepare a kidney harvested from a cadaver donor for transplantation into a recipient.

2. Procedure

The procedure for backbench preparation of a cadaver donor renal allograft involves several critical steps to ensure the kidney is ready for transplantation.

  • Step 1: Unpacking and Initial Preparation The kidney is unpackaged and transferred to a back table basin, where it is placed in iced Ringer's lactate solution. This solution helps preserve the kidney's viability during the preparation process. Cultures are taken from the preservation fluid and sent to the laboratory for analysis.
  • Step 2: Dissection of Surrounding Tissue The next step involves the careful dissection of perinephric fat and surrounding tissue from the external surface of the kidney. This is crucial to expose the kidney adequately for further preparation.
  • Step 3: Excision of the Adrenal Gland The adrenal gland, which is located on top of the kidney, is excised to prevent any complications during transplantation.
  • Step 4: Inspection and Ligation of Blood Vessels The kidney is thoroughly inspected, and all open ends of small blood vessels are suture ligated. This step is vital to prevent post-transplant bleeding. Additionally, lymphatic vessels are also ligated to minimize the risk of lymphocele formation after the transplant.
  • Step 5: Addressing Large Blood Vessels The procedure continues with the division and ligation of gonadal, adrenal, and any lumbar vein branches. The renal vein is then trimmed to prepare it for connection to the recipient's blood supply. If any reconstruction of the renal vein is necessary, it must be reported separately.
  • Step 6: Evaluation of Renal Arteries The renal arteries are evaluated, as some donors may have a single renal artery while others may have multiple. The renal arteries are trimmed, and any branches are ligated as needed. Similar to the renal vein, if reconstruction of the renal arteries is required, it should be reported separately.
  • Step 7: Ureter Preparation The ureter is prepared with care, ensuring that as much surrounding tissue as possible remains undisturbed to prevent damage to the vascular structures.
  • Step 8: Flushing of Renal Vessels Finally, the renal vessels are flushed with Ringer's lactate solution to identify any vascular defects or leaks that may require additional preparation or repair before transplantation.

3. Post-Procedure

After the backbench preparation is completed, the kidney is ready for transplantation into the recipient. It is essential to monitor the organ for any signs of vascular defects or complications that may arise from the preparation process. The kidney should be kept in a suitable preservation solution until it is transplanted, ensuring its viability and function are maintained during the waiting period.

Short Descr PREP CADAVER RENAL ALLOGRAFT
Medium Descr BKBENCH PREPJ CADAVER DONOR RENAL ALLOGRAFT
Long Descr Backbench standard preparation of cadaver donor renal allograft prior to transplantation, including dissection and removal of perinephric fat, diaphragmatic and retroperitoneal attachments, excision of adrenal gland, and preparation of ureter(s), renal vein(s), and renal artery(s), ligating branches, as necessary
Status Code Carriers Price the Code
Global Days XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply
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 104 - Nephrectomy, partial or complete
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).
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
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).
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
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.
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
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.
80 Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s).
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
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.
50 Bilateral procedure: unless otherwise identified in the listings, bilateral procedures that are performed at the same session, should be identified by adding modifier 50 to the appropriate 5 digit code. note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
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.
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.)
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
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
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
Q3 Live kidney donor surgery and related services
Q6 Service furnished under a fee-for-time compensation arrangement by a substitute physician or by a substitute physical therapist furnishing outpatient physical therapy services in a health professional shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a rural area
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
Action
Notes
2005-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 2005.
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