Coding Ahead
CasePilot
Medical Coding Assistant
Case2Code
Search and Code Lookup Tool
RedactPHI
HIPAA-Compliant PHI Redaction
DetectICD10CM
ICD-10-CM Code Detection
Log in Register free account
1 code page views remaining. Guest accounts are limited to 1 page view. Register free account to get 5 more views.
Log in Register free account

Official Description

Frenulotomy of penis

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

A frenulotomy of the penis, also known as a frenuloplasty, is a surgical procedure aimed at addressing issues related to the frenulum, which is the band of tissue on the underside of the penis that connects the glans to the shaft. This procedure is typically indicated for patients experiencing conditions such as frenulum breve, where the frenulum is too short, causing discomfort or difficulty during sexual activity. The procedure is performed with the patient in a supine position, ensuring comfort and accessibility for the surgeon. Local anesthesia is applied either topically or through injection to minimize pain during the operation. The surgical site is then prepared and draped to maintain a sterile environment. The technique involves making precise incisions in the skin and tissue to elongate the frenulum, thereby alleviating any associated symptoms. The use of fine absorbable sutures for closure ensures that the healing process is efficient and minimizes the need for suture removal. In some cases, a variation of the procedure may utilize vascular clips instead of sutures, providing an alternative method for achieving the desired elongation of the frenulum without the need for extensive suturing. This procedure is generally well-tolerated and can significantly improve the quality of life for those affected by frenulum-related issues.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

Frenulotomy of the penis is performed for specific indications related to the anatomy and function of the frenulum. The following conditions may warrant this procedure:

  • Frenulum Breve A condition where the frenulum is abnormally short, leading to discomfort or pain during erections or sexual activity.
  • Frenulum Rupture Occurs when the frenulum tears, often resulting in bleeding and pain, necessitating surgical intervention for repair.
  • Recurrent Infections In some cases, a tight frenulum may contribute to recurrent infections or inflammation, prompting the need for surgical correction.

2. Procedure

The frenulotomy procedure involves several key steps to ensure effective treatment of the frenulum. The following outlines the procedural steps:

  • Step 1: Patient Preparation The patient is positioned supine on the surgical table, ensuring comfort and optimal access for the surgeon. Local anesthesia is applied either topically or via injection to numb the area and minimize discomfort during the procedure.
  • Step 2: Surgical Site Preparation The penis is thoroughly prepared and draped in a sterile manner to maintain a clean surgical environment, reducing the risk of infection.
  • Step 3: Incision Making A Z-shaped superficial skin incision is made, beginning with a slanting cut in the glans. This is followed by a vertical incision along the preputial fold and a second slanting cut in the prepuce. These incisions are designed to allow for the elongation of the frenulum.
  • Step 4: Incision Adjustment The initial incisions are straightened to facilitate the elongation of the penis, effectively addressing the issues associated with a short frenulum.
  • Step 5: Closure Fine absorbable sutures are utilized to close the incision, ensuring that the healing process is efficient and that the sutures do not require removal. In some variations of the procedure, vascular clips may be employed instead of sutures, where one clip is placed under the glans and another parallel to the foreskin. A vertical incision is made between the clips, which are then pulled apart to stretch and elongate the frenulum without the need for sutures.

3. Post-Procedure

After the frenulotomy procedure, patients can expect a relatively straightforward recovery process. Post-procedure care typically includes monitoring for any signs of infection or complications. Patients are advised to keep the surgical area clean and dry, and to follow any specific instructions provided by the healthcare provider regarding activity restrictions and hygiene practices. If vascular clips were used, they are designed to fall off naturally within a few days, eliminating the need for suture removal. Patients may experience some discomfort or swelling, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief as recommended by their physician. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to assess healing and ensure that the procedure has effectively resolved the underlying issues.

Short Descr FRENULOTOMY OF PENIS
Medium Descr FRENULOTOMY PENIS
Long Descr Frenulotomy of penis
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 010 - Minor Procedure
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) 1 - Statutory 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 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) P6C - Minor procedures - other (Medicare fee schedule)
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 118 - Other OR therapeutic procedures, male genital
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).
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.
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.)
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
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
Action
Notes
2002-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 2002.
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description
CasePilot

Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.

Ask about:
CPT Codes Guidelines Modifiers Crosswalks NCCI Edits Compliance Medicare Coverage
Example: "What is CPT code 99213?" or "Guidelines for E/M services"