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Official Description

Ureterotomy for insertion of indwelling stent, all types

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Ureterotomy for insertion of an indwelling stent is a surgical procedure that involves making an incision in the ureter to facilitate the placement of a stent. This procedure is typically indicated when there is a stricture or other abnormality in the ureter that obstructs the normal flow of urine. The term 'ureterotomy' refers to the surgical incision made in the ureter, which is the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder. During the procedure, the surgeon makes an incision in the abdomen, which may be located over the upper, middle, or lower ureter, depending on the specific location of the obstruction. The abdominal wall muscles are carefully divided, and the peritoneum, which is the lining of the abdominal cavity, is pushed aside to access the ureter. Once the ureter is identified, it is meticulously dissected free from surrounding tissues, including the serosa and periureteral fat. The ureter is then incised to allow for exploration and treatment of the stricture. A soft Penrose drainage or suction tube is placed above the stricture site to facilitate drainage and flushing of the ureter with an irrigation solution. Following this, a double J stent is inserted at the site of the stricture to maintain patency and ensure proper urine flow. The ureterotomy site may be left open with a drainage tube in place to allow for continued drainage, and finally, the abdominal and skin incisions are closed around the drain to complete the procedure.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The ureterotomy for insertion of an indwelling stent is performed under specific clinical circumstances. The following indications are explicitly recognized for this procedure:

  • Ureteral Stricture - A narrowing of the ureter that obstructs urine flow, necessitating intervention to restore patency.
  • Ureteral Obstruction - Any blockage in the ureter that prevents normal urine passage, which may be due to various causes such as stones, tumors, or scarring.
  • Ureteral Injury - Trauma or surgical complications that result in damage to the ureter, requiring surgical repair and stenting.

2. Procedure

The procedure for ureterotomy with stent placement involves several critical steps that ensure effective treatment of the ureteral condition. The following procedural steps are outlined:

  • Step 1: Incision - The surgeon begins by making an incision in the abdomen, which is strategically located over the upper, middle, or lower ureter, depending on the identified location of the stricture or abnormality. This incision allows access to the ureter for further intervention.
  • Step 2: Muscle Division and Peritoneal Access - After the initial incision, the abdominal wall muscles are carefully divided to gain access to the peritoneal cavity. The peritoneum is then pushed aside to expose the underlying structures, including the ureter.
  • Step 3: Ureter Identification and Dissection - The ureter is identified and meticulously dissected free from the surrounding serosa and periureteral fat. This step is crucial to ensure that the ureter is adequately exposed for the subsequent incision.
  • Step 4: Ureterotomy - Once the ureter is fully exposed, the surgeon incises the ureter to explore the site of the stricture or abnormality. This exploration is essential for determining the appropriate treatment approach.
  • Step 5: Drainage Placement - A soft Penrose drainage or suction tube is placed above the site of the stricture. This allows for effective drainage of urine and facilitates the flushing of the ureter with an irrigation solution to clear any obstructions.
  • Step 6: Stent Insertion - A double J stent is then carefully placed in the ureter at the site of the stricture. The stent serves to maintain ureteral patency and ensure the continuous flow of urine from the kidney to the bladder.
  • Step 7: Closure - The ureterotomy site may be left open with a drainage tube in place to allow for ongoing drainage. Finally, the abdominal and skin incisions are closed around the drain, completing the surgical procedure.

3. Post-Procedure

After the ureterotomy and stent placement, patients typically require monitoring for any complications that may arise. Post-procedure care includes managing the drainage tube, ensuring that it remains patent and functioning properly. Patients may experience some discomfort or pain at the incision site, which can be managed with appropriate analgesics. Follow-up appointments are essential to assess the stent's position and function, as well as to monitor for any signs of infection or complications. The stent may need to be removed or replaced at a later date, depending on the underlying condition and the patient's recovery progress.

Short Descr INSERT URETERAL SUPPORT
Medium Descr URETEROTOMY INSERTION INDWELLING STENT ALL TYPES
Long Descr Ureterotomy for insertion of indwelling stent, all types
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) 1 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures applies.
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 102 - Ureteral catheterization
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
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)
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).
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
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).
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).
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.
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.)
81 Minimum assistant surgeon: minimum surgical assistant services are identified by adding modifier 81 to the usual procedure number.
AG Primary physician
GV Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider
X5 Diagnostic services requested by another clinician: for reporting services by a clinician who furnishes care to the patient only as requested by another clinician or subsequent and related services requested by another clinician; this modifier is reported for patient relationships that may not be adequately captured by the above alternative categories; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to, the radiologist's interpretation of an imaging study requested by another clinician
XE Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter
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2011-01-01 Changed Medium description changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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