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Official Description

Laparoscopy, surgical; ureterolithotomy

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Laparoscopy, surgical ureterolithotomy, is a minimally invasive surgical procedure aimed at the removal of a ureteral stone, also known as a calculus, from the ureter. This procedure is particularly beneficial for patients suffering from ureteral obstruction caused by stones, which can lead to significant pain and potential complications if left untreated. The laparoscopic approach offers several advantages over traditional open surgery, including reduced postoperative pain, shorter recovery times, and minimal scarring. The procedure can be performed using either a retroperitoneal or transperitoneal approach, depending on the location of the stone within the ureter. In the retroperitoneal approach, the surgeon makes incisions strategically placed to access the ureter while minimizing disruption to surrounding tissues. This technique involves careful dissection to separate the peritoneum from the abdominal wall, allowing for the introduction of a laparoscope and surgical instruments. The identification and removal of the stone are performed with precision, utilizing forceps to grasp the ureter and extract the stone effectively. Post-procedure, the ureter may be stented to ensure proper healing and function. Overall, laparoscopic ureterolithotomy is a critical procedure in urology that addresses ureteral stones with enhanced safety and efficacy.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The laparoscopic ureterolithotomy procedure is indicated for patients presenting with the following conditions:

  • Ureteral Stones The primary indication for this procedure is the presence of ureteral stones that cause obstruction, pain, or other complications.
  • Recurrent Ureteral Calculi Patients with a history of recurrent ureteral stones may require this procedure to alleviate symptoms and prevent further complications.
  • Failed Conservative Management When non-invasive treatments, such as medication or shock wave lithotripsy, have failed to resolve the obstruction or pain caused by ureteral stones, surgical intervention becomes necessary.

2. Procedure

The laparoscopic ureterolithotomy procedure involves several key steps to ensure the successful removal of the ureteral stone:

  • Step 1: Patient Positioning The patient is positioned appropriately on the operating table, typically in a lateral decubitus position, to facilitate access to the ureter.
  • Step 2: Incision and Access The surgeon makes an incision below the tip of the 12th rib for stones located in the upper ureter or an incision medial to the anterosuperior iliac spine for stones in the lower ureter. This allows for the introduction of the laparoscope.
  • Step 3: Blunt Dissection Blunt dissection is performed to separate the peritoneum from the abdominal wall, creating a working space for the surgical instruments.
  • Step 4: Additional Portal Incisions Additional incisions are made to allow for the introduction of necessary surgical instruments to facilitate the procedure.
  • Step 5: Identification of the Ureter The ureter is carefully identified, and the stone is located, typically appearing as a bulge within the ureter.
  • Step 6: Grasping the Ureter Forceps are used to grasp the ureter at the site of the stone to stabilize it and prevent movement during the procedure.
  • Step 7: Dissection and Incision The ureter is dissected and incised to access the stone directly.
  • Step 8: Stone Extraction The stone is extracted from the ureter using forceps and is carefully removed through one of the portal incisions.
  • Step 9: Stenting (if needed) If necessary, a double J stent may be placed through the ureteral incision to ensure proper drainage and healing.
  • Step 10: Repair and Closure The ureter is repaired, and the laparoscopic and surgical instruments are removed. Finally, the abdomen is closed, completing the procedure.

3. Post-Procedure

After the laparoscopic ureterolithotomy, patients are typically monitored for any immediate complications. Post-procedure care may include pain management, hydration, and monitoring for signs of infection or complications. Patients may be advised to follow up with their healthcare provider to assess recovery and the need for stent removal if a stent was placed. The expected recovery time is generally shorter compared to open surgery, allowing patients to return to normal activities more quickly, although individual recovery may vary based on overall health and the complexity of the procedure.

Short Descr LAPAROSCOPY URETEROLITHOTOMY
Medium Descr LAPAROSCOPY URTROLITHOTOMY
Long Descr Laparoscopy, surgical; ureterolithotomy
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 Hospital Part B services paid through a comprehensive APC
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P5E - Ambulatory procedures - other
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 112 - Other OR therapeutic procedures of urinary tract

This is a primary code that can be used with these additional add-on codes.

49327 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 Laparoscopy, surgical; with placement of interstitial device(s) for radiation therapy guidance (eg, fiducial markers, dosimeter), intra-abdominal, intrapelvic, and/or retroperitoneum, including imaging guidance, if performed, single or multiple (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
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).
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.
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)
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
Date
Action
Notes
2001-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
2000-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 2000.
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