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Official Description

Ureteroneocystostomy; anastomosis of single ureter to bladder

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

An open ureteroneocystostomy is a surgical procedure that involves the anastomosis, or connection, of a single ureter to the bladder. This operation is typically indicated when there is a need to redirect urine flow from the ureter into the bladder, often due to conditions affecting the ureterovesical junction (UVJ). During the procedure, the distal portion of the ureter is carefully divided at or near the UVJ, which is the area where the ureter meets the bladder. An incision is made in the dome of the bladder wall, extending to the level of the mucosa, which is the innermost layer of the bladder. A smaller incision is then created in the bladder mucosa to facilitate the connection with the ureter. The detached segment of the ureter is trimmed to ensure a proper fit and is spatulated, meaning the end is flattened to create a larger surface area for the anastomosis. The full thickness of the ureter is then sutured to the bladder mucosa, ensuring a secure connection. To prevent urine reflux, which can lead to complications, the bladder wall is closed over a 2-3 cm segment of the ureter, creating a tunnel for the ureter. This technique helps maintain the integrity of the connection and supports healing. After the anastomosis is completed, the opening at the UVJ is closed to finalize the procedure. In some cases, a temporary ureteral stent may be placed to ensure that the ureter remains open and to facilitate healing during the recovery process. This procedure is specifically coded as CPT® 50780 when performed on a single ureter, distinguishing it from similar procedures that may involve duplicated ureters or additional surgical techniques.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure of ureteroneocystostomy is indicated for various conditions that necessitate the re-establishment of urine flow from the ureter to the bladder. The following are specific indications for performing this surgical intervention:

  • Ureteral Obstruction - This may occur due to congenital anomalies, tumors, or strictures that impede the normal flow of urine.
  • Reflux Nephropathy - A condition where urine flows backward from the bladder into the ureters, potentially leading to kidney damage.
  • Ureteral Injury - Trauma or surgical complications that result in damage to the ureter, necessitating reconstruction or reattachment to the bladder.
  • Duplicated Collecting System - A condition where there are two ureters draining a single kidney, which may require surgical intervention to ensure proper drainage into the bladder.

2. Procedure

The ureteroneocystostomy procedure involves several critical steps to ensure successful anastomosis of the ureter to the bladder. The following outlines the procedural steps:

  • Step 1: Incision and Exposure - The surgeon begins by making an incision in the abdominal wall to access the bladder and ureter. This incision allows for adequate exposure of the surgical field.
  • Step 2: Division of the Ureter - The distal ureter is carefully divided at or near the ureterovesical junction (UVJ), which is the point where the ureter connects to the bladder. This step is crucial for preparing the ureter for anastomosis.
  • Step 3: Bladder Incision - An incision is made in the dome of the bladder wall, extending to the level of the mucosa. This incision provides access to the bladder interior for the subsequent connection with the ureter.
  • Step 4: Mucosal Incision - A smaller incision is created in the bladder mucosa to facilitate the attachment of the ureter. This step is essential for ensuring a secure anastomosis.
  • Step 5: Ureter Preparation - The detached segment of the ureter is trimmed to the appropriate length and spatulated, which involves flattening the end of the ureter to increase the surface area for the anastomosis.
  • Step 6: Anastomosis - The full thickness of the ureter is then sutured to the bladder mucosa, creating a secure connection that allows for the passage of urine from the ureter into the bladder.
  • Step 7: Closure of the Bladder - The bladder wall is closed over a 2-3 cm segment of the ureter, forming a tunnel that helps prevent reflux of urine back into the ureter.
  • Step 8: Closure of the UVJ - The opening at the ureterovesical junction is closed to finalize the procedure and ensure proper urinary function.
  • Step 9: Placement of Ureteral Stent - In some cases, a temporary ureteral stent may be placed to maintain patency of the ureter and facilitate healing during the recovery period.

3. Post-Procedure

After the ureteroneocystostomy procedure, patients typically require monitoring for any complications, such as infection or urinary leakage. Post-operative care may include pain management, hydration, and monitoring of urinary output. Patients may also be advised to avoid strenuous activities during the initial recovery phase. Follow-up appointments are essential to assess the healing process and ensure that the anastomosis is functioning properly. If a ureteral stent was placed, it will need to be removed at a later date, as determined by the physician. Overall, the recovery period can vary based on individual patient factors and the complexity of the procedure.

Short Descr REIMPLANT URETER IN BLADDER
Medium Descr URETERONEOCYSTOSTOMY ANAST 1 URETER BLADDER
Long Descr Ureteroneocystostomy; anastomosis of single ureter to bladder
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 112 - Other OR therapeutic procedures of urinary tract
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
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).
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.)
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).
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
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
XE Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter
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
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