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Official Description

Ureterolysis for retrocaval ureter, with reanastomosis of upper urinary tract or vena cava

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 50725 involves ureterolysis for a retrocaval ureter, which is a surgical intervention aimed at addressing an obstructed ureter that has become entrapped due to a congenital anomaly known as retrocaval ureter. This condition occurs when the ureter is positioned behind the inferior vena cava, leading to compression and obstruction. The surgical approach typically involves an open technique where an incision is made in the abdomen to access the affected area. During the procedure, the surgeon dissects the ureter from surrounding tissues to relieve the obstruction. The compressed segment of the ureter is excised, and the continuity of the ureter is restored through a process called anastomosis, which involves connecting the two ends of the ureter. To ensure that the ureter remains open during the healing process, a temporary double J stent is placed. Additionally, external drainage tubes may be utilized to manage any fluid accumulation in the operative site. The procedure may also involve the division and reanastomosis of the vena cava if necessary, depending on the specific circumstances of the case. Overall, this complex surgical intervention is critical for restoring normal urinary function and alleviating symptoms associated with ureteral obstruction.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure described by CPT® Code 50725 is indicated for patients experiencing ureteral obstruction due to a retrocaval ureter. This condition may present with various symptoms and complications, including:

  • Ureteral Obstruction The primary indication for this procedure is the presence of an obstructed ureter caused by the malposition of the ureter behind the inferior vena cava, leading to compression and potential kidney damage.
  • Renal Colic Patients may experience severe flank pain due to the obstruction, which can lead to renal colic.
  • Hydronephrosis The obstruction can result in hydronephrosis, a condition characterized by the swelling of a kidney due to the buildup of urine, which may necessitate surgical intervention.
  • Urinary Tract Infections Recurrent urinary tract infections may occur as a result of the obstruction, prompting the need for surgical correction.

2. Procedure

The surgical procedure for CPT® Code 50725 involves several critical steps to effectively address the retrocaval ureter. The following outlines the procedural steps:

  • Step 1: Incision A subcostal incision is made in the abdomen to provide access to the retrocaval ureter. This incision allows the surgeon to visualize and access the affected ureter and surrounding structures.
  • Step 2: Dissection The ureter is carefully dissected free from the surrounding tissues, including any adhesions that may be present. This step is crucial to mobilize the ureter and relieve the compression caused by the inferior vena cava.
  • Step 3: Excision of Compressed Segment The compressed segment of the ureter is excised. This removal is necessary to eliminate the obstruction and restore normal urinary flow.
  • Step 4: Spatulation and Anastomosis The distal and proximal ends of the ureter are spatulated, which involves trimming the edges to facilitate a better connection. The two ends are then reconnected through anastomosis, restoring continuity to the ureter.
  • Step 5: Placement of Stent A temporary double J stent is placed within the ureter to maintain patency and support the healing process. This stent helps prevent any obstruction during recovery.
  • Step 6: Drainage and Closure External drainage tubes may be placed in the operative wound to manage any fluid accumulation. The surgeon ensures that any bleeding is controlled before closing the incisions.
  • Step 7: Alternative Approach In some cases, the vena cava may be divided to reposition the ureter, followed by reanastomosis of the vena cava if necessary, depending on the specific anatomical considerations encountered during the procedure.

3. Post-Procedure

After the completion of the ureterolysis procedure, patients typically require careful monitoring and post-operative care. Expected recovery may involve managing pain and monitoring for any signs of complications, such as infection or bleeding. The temporary double J stent will remain in place for a specified duration to ensure that the ureter remains patent during the healing process. Patients may be advised to follow up with their healthcare provider for imaging studies to assess the success of the procedure and the status of the urinary tract. Additionally, instructions regarding activity restrictions and signs of potential complications will be provided to ensure a smooth recovery.

Short Descr RELEASE/REVISE URETER
Medium Descr URTROLSS RETROCAVAL URTR W/REANAST
Long Descr Ureterolysis for retrocaval ureter, with reanastomosis of upper urinary tract or vena cava
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 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 112 - Other OR therapeutic procedures of urinary tract
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).
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).
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
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