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Official Description

Transurethral radiofrequency micro-remodeling of the female bladder neck and proximal urethra for stress urinary incontinence

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 53860 refers to a specific medical procedure known as transurethral radiofrequency micro-remodeling of the female bladder neck and proximal urethra, which is performed to address stress urinary incontinence. This condition often arises due to hypermobility of the bladder neck and urethra, leading to involuntary leakage of urine during activities that increase abdominal pressure, such as coughing, sneezing, or exercise. The procedure utilizes low-temperature radiofrequency energy to effectively remodel the submucosal tissue of the bladder neck and proximal urethra. This remodeling process is designed to enhance the function of the urinary tract without causing any narrowing or thickening of the lumen, which is the inner open space of the urethra. During the procedure, a local anesthetic is administered to ensure patient comfort. A specialized transurethral probe is then inserted into the urethra, allowing for the precise application of controlled radiofrequency energy. This energy is directed to specific target sites within the lower urinary tract, where it generates heat that induces collagen denaturation at multiple small treatment sites. As the tissue heals post-procedure, the treated areas develop increased resistance to intra-abdominal pressure, which is crucial for reducing or eliminating episodes of involuntary urine leakage. Overall, this innovative approach aims to provide a minimally invasive solution for women suffering from stress urinary incontinence, improving their quality of life by addressing the underlying tissue laxity associated with the condition.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The transurethral radiofrequency micro-remodeling procedure is indicated for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence in females, particularly when this condition is attributed to hypermobility of the bladder neck and proximal urethra. This procedure is suitable for patients who experience involuntary leakage of urine during activities that increase abdominal pressure, such as physical exertion, coughing, or sneezing.

  • Stress Urinary Incontinence This condition is characterized by the involuntary leakage of urine during activities that increase abdominal pressure, often due to the hypermobility of the bladder neck and urethra.

2. Procedure

The procedure involves several key steps to ensure effective treatment of stress urinary incontinence. First, a local anesthetic is administered to the patient to minimize discomfort during the procedure. Following this, a transurethral probe is carefully inserted into the urethra. This probe is specifically designed to deliver controlled radiofrequency energy to targeted areas within the lower urinary tract. The application of this energy is crucial, as it generates heat that affects the submucosal tissue at multiple treatment sites. As the radiofrequency energy is applied, it induces collagen denaturation, which is a process that alters the structural proteins in the tissue. This step is essential for the subsequent healing process. After the treatment, the tissue begins to heal, and during this healing phase, the treated sites develop increased resistance to intra-abdominal pressure. This enhanced resistance is what ultimately helps to reduce or eliminate involuntary leakage of urine, addressing the symptoms of stress urinary incontinence effectively.

  • Step 1: Administer a local anesthetic to ensure patient comfort during the procedure.
  • Step 2: Insert a transurethral probe into the urethra to facilitate the delivery of radiofrequency energy.
  • Step 3: Apply controlled radiofrequency energy to the submucosal tissue at targeted sites within the lower urinary tract.
  • Step 4: Induce collagen denaturation at multiple treatment sites to prepare the tissue for healing.
  • Step 5: Allow the tissue to heal, resulting in increased resistance to intra-abdominal pressure and reduction of involuntary urine leakage.

3. Post-Procedure

After the transurethral radiofrequency micro-remodeling procedure, patients can expect a recovery period during which they may experience some discomfort or mild side effects, such as transient urinary urgency or frequency. It is important for patients to follow any post-procedure care instructions provided by their healthcare provider to ensure optimal healing. Regular follow-up appointments may be scheduled to monitor the effectiveness of the procedure and to assess any improvements in urinary function. Patients should be informed about potential signs of complications, such as excessive bleeding or signs of infection, and advised to seek medical attention if these occur. Overall, the procedure aims to enhance the quality of life for women suffering from stress urinary incontinence by providing a minimally invasive treatment option.

Short Descr TRANSURETHRAL RF TREATMENT
Medium Descr TRURL RF FEMALE BLADDER NECK STRS URIN INCONT
Long Descr Transurethral radiofrequency micro-remodeling of the female bladder neck and proximal urethra for stress urinary incontinence
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) 0 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
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 Office-based surgical procedure added to ASC list in CY 2008 or later with MPFS nonfacility PE RVUs; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P6C - Minor procedures - other (Medicare fee schedule)
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 109 - Procedures on the urethra
Date
Action
Notes
2011-01-01 Added Added
Code
Description
Code
Description
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