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Official Description

Ureterorrhaphy, suture of ureter (separate procedure)

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Ureterorrhaphy refers to the surgical procedure involving the suture repair of the ureter, which is a tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder. This procedure is classified as a separate surgical intervention, indicating that it is performed independently and not as part of a more extensive surgical operation. During ureterorrhaphy, the surgeon first exposes the damaged section of the ureter to assess the extent of the injury. Once the injury is located, it is carefully inspected to determine whether it is minor and can be repaired solely through suturing. If the injury is deemed suitable for this type of repair, the surgeon approximates the edges of the ureteral laceration and employs fine sutures to secure the tissue together. In some cases, drains may be placed to facilitate fluid drainage and prevent complications. Finally, the surgical wound is meticulously closed in layers to promote optimal healing and minimize the risk of infection or other postoperative issues.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

Ureterorrhaphy is indicated for specific conditions that involve damage to the ureter. The following are the explicitly provided indications for performing this procedure:

  • Ureteral Injury The procedure is indicated when there is a laceration or injury to the ureter that is determined to be minor and suitable for suture repair.

2. Procedure

The ureterorrhaphy procedure involves several critical steps to ensure effective repair of the ureter. The following procedural steps are outlined:

  • Step 1: Exposure of the Ureter The surgeon begins by making an incision to expose the damaged ureter. This step is crucial as it allows for direct visualization of the injury, enabling the surgeon to assess the extent of the damage.
  • Step 2: Inspection of the Injury Once the ureter is exposed, the surgeon inspects the injury to determine its severity. This assessment is vital to confirm that the injury is minor and can be repaired with sutures alone.
  • Step 3: Approximation of Ureteral Edges After confirming the injury's suitability for repair, the surgeon approximates the edges of the ureteral laceration. This involves bringing the tissue edges together to prepare for suturing.
  • Step 4: Placement of Sutures Fine sutures are then placed to secure the edges of the ureter together. The use of fine sutures helps to minimize tissue trauma and promotes better healing.
  • Step 5: Drain Placement If necessary, drains may be placed to facilitate the drainage of any excess fluid that may accumulate postoperatively. This step is important to prevent complications such as fluid buildup or infection.
  • Step 6: Closure of the Surgical Wound Finally, the surgical wound is closed in layers. This layered closure technique helps to ensure proper healing and reduces the risk of postoperative complications.

3. Post-Procedure

After the ureterorrhaphy procedure, patients may require specific post-operative care to ensure a smooth recovery. This may include monitoring for any signs of complications, such as infection or fluid accumulation. Patients are typically advised to follow up with their healthcare provider for assessment of the surgical site and to ensure that the ureter is healing properly. Pain management may also be necessary, and patients should be instructed on activity restrictions to promote healing. Overall, careful post-procedure care is essential for optimal recovery and to prevent any potential complications.

Short Descr REPAIR OF URETER
Medium Descr URETERORRHAPHY SUTURE URETER SEPARATE PROCEDURE
Long Descr Ureterorrhaphy, suture of ureter (separate procedure)
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
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).
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).
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)
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
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Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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