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Official Description

Urethroplasty, 1-stage reconstruction of male anterior urethra

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 53410 refers to a urethroplasty, specifically a one-stage reconstruction of the male anterior urethra. This surgical intervention is primarily performed to address strictures or obstructions in the anterior urethra, which can occur due to trauma, injury, or other pathological conditions. The anterior urethra is anatomically divided into three segments: the bulbar segment, which traverses the proximal corpus spongiosum and extends to the penile plane; the penile segment, which runs along the length of the pendulous penis; and the fossa navicularis, located at the glans penis. During the procedure, a catheter or urethral sound is utilized to accurately identify the location of the stricture. A Foley catheter is then inserted transurethrally into the bladder to facilitate access and visualization. The surgical approach involves making a midline incision along the ventral penile plane, followed by dissection through Buck's fascia to expose the urethra adequately. The stricture is incised over the catheter, and healthy urethral tissue is identified by extending the incision both distally and proximally. An onlay flap technique is employed, where a skin margin is excised to create a flap that will be used to reconstruct the urethra. This flap is carefully tailored to ensure that it fits the size of the urethral defect, and meticulous attention is given to the suturing process to minimize tension during closure. The procedure concludes with the placement of drains if necessary, and the transurethral catheter is left in place to support healing and maintain urethral patency postoperatively. This comprehensive approach aims to restore normal urethral function and alleviate any obstructive symptoms associated with the stricture.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure of urethroplasty, as described by CPT® Code 53410, is indicated for the following conditions:

  • Trauma or Injury: Urethroplasty is commonly performed following traumatic events that result in strictures or damage to the anterior urethra.
  • Urethral Strictures: The procedure is indicated for patients presenting with strictures in the anterior urethra, which may lead to obstructive urinary symptoms.
  • Congenital Anomalies: Urethroplasty may also be indicated in cases of congenital defects affecting the anterior urethra.

2. Procedure

The urethroplasty procedure involves several critical steps to ensure successful reconstruction of the male anterior urethra:

  • Step 1: The procedure begins with the placement of a catheter or urethral sound to accurately locate the level of the stricture. A Foley catheter is then inserted transurethrally into the bladder to facilitate access.
  • Step 2: A midline incision is made along the ventral penile plane. The dissection is extended through Buck's fascia until the urethra is identified and adequately exposed, allowing for direct access to the stricture site.
  • Step 3: An incision is made over the urethral stricture, which is performed over the catheter. This incision is extended at least 1 cm distally and proximally until healthy urethral tissue is encountered, ensuring that the stricture is fully addressed.
  • Step 4: Utilizing an onlay flap technique, one skin margin is excised to a width not exceeding 25 mm, and the flap is carried down into the subcutaneous connective tissue. The flap is tapered at each end, with its length corresponding to the size of the urethral deficit.
  • Step 5: The medial border of the flap is sutured to the incised urethra, creating an anchor point. Starting at the distal margin, the flap and the urethral epithelium are sutured together with a running stitch to form a lateral suture line.
  • Step 6: The free edge of the flap is then rolled and secured to the contralateral margin, effectively creating a urethral lumen. A running stitch is made along this margin to ensure proper closure.
  • Step 7: Drains may be placed as needed to facilitate fluid management. The subcutaneous connective tissue is then closed over the urethral suture lines, taking care not to injure the pedicle of the flap.
  • Step 8: Finally, the skin is approximated with minimal tension and closed with a running stitch. The transurethral catheter remains in place to support healing and maintain urethral patency during the recovery period.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care following a urethroplasty involves monitoring for any complications and ensuring proper healing. The transurethral catheter is typically left in place for a specified duration to allow for adequate drainage and to maintain urethral patency. Patients may be advised to avoid strenuous activities and to follow specific guidelines regarding fluid intake and urinary habits. Regular follow-up appointments are essential to assess the healing process and to address any potential issues that may arise during recovery. Additionally, patients should be educated on signs of infection or complications that warrant immediate medical attention.

Short Descr RECONSTRUCTION OF URETHRA
Medium Descr URETHROPLASTY 1 STG RECNST MALE ANTERIOR URETHRA
Long Descr Urethroplasty, 1-stage reconstruction of male anterior urethra
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 Hospital Part B services paid through a comprehensive APC
ASC Payment Indicator Surgical procedure on ASC list in CY 2007; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P5E - Ambulatory procedures - other
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 109 - Procedures on the urethra
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
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).
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).
53 Discontinued procedure: under certain circumstances, the physician or other qualified health care professional may elect to terminate a surgical or diagnostic procedure. due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, it may be necessary to indicate that a surgical or diagnostic procedure was started but discontinued. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 53 to the code reported by the individual for the discontinued procedure. note: this modifier is not used to report the elective cancellation of a procedure prior to the patient's anesthesia induction and/or surgical preparation in the operating suite. for outpatient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) 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.)
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).
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
CC Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed)
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
KX Requirements specified in the medical policy have been met
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
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
Date
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2009-01-01 Changed Code description changed
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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