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Official Description

Dynamic cavernosometry, including intracavernosal injection of vasoactive drugs (eg, papaverine, phentolamine)

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Dynamic cavernosometry is a specialized diagnostic procedure used to assess the vascular pressure within the corpus cavernosum, which is essential for achieving and maintaining an erection. This procedure involves the use of vasoactive drugs, such as papaverine or phentolamine, which are injected directly into the corpora to induce relaxation of the arterial and sinusoidal tissues. The process begins with the administration of a local anesthetic to minimize discomfort during the procedure. A fine needle, typically ranging from 27 to 30 gauge, is employed to inject the vasodilatory agent, facilitating the necessary physiological response. Following this, a larger 19-gauge butterfly needle is inserted into the corpus cavernosum at a precise vertical angle relative to the penile axis, allowing for adequate movement during the erection phase. A perfusion pump is then connected to this needle, delivering normal saline into the tissue until an erection is achieved. Throughout the procedure, the vascular pressure is continuously monitored, with the goal of reaching approximately 150 mm/Hg. Once this pressure is attained, the infusion of saline is halted, and the pressure within the cavernosum is measured. A rapid decrease in pressure, along with the loss of erection, may indicate potential vascular leakage, providing critical information for further evaluation and management of erectile dysfunction.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure of dynamic cavernosometry is indicated for the evaluation of erectile dysfunction, particularly in cases where the underlying cause is suspected to be vascular in nature. This diagnostic test is typically performed when other non-invasive assessments have not provided sufficient information to determine the etiology of the erectile dysfunction. The following conditions may warrant the use of dynamic cavernosometry:

  • Vascular Erectile Dysfunction Patients presenting with erectile dysfunction that may be attributed to vascular insufficiency or arterial occlusion.
  • Assessment of Penile Blood Flow Individuals requiring detailed evaluation of penile blood flow dynamics to understand the physiological mechanisms contributing to erectile dysfunction.
  • Preoperative Evaluation Men undergoing evaluation prior to surgical interventions for erectile dysfunction, such as penile prosthesis implantation, to assess the vascular status of the penis.

2. Procedure

The dynamic cavernosometry procedure involves several critical steps to ensure accurate measurement of vascular pressure within the corpus cavernosum. Each step is designed to facilitate the assessment of erectile function effectively.

  • Step 1: Anesthetic Administration The procedure begins with the administration of a local anesthetic to the penile area. This step is crucial to minimize discomfort for the patient during the subsequent injections and manipulations.
  • Step 2: Injection of Vasoactive Drug A 27-30 gauge needle is then used to inject a vasoactive drug, such as papaverine or phentolamine, directly into the corpus cavernosum. This drug induces arterial and sinusoidal relaxation, which is essential for the erection process.
  • Step 3: Insertion of Butterfly Needle Following the injection, a 19-gauge butterfly needle is inserted into the corpus cavernosum at a vertical angle to the penile axis. This positioning allows for necessary movement during the erection phase and facilitates accurate pressure monitoring.
  • Step 4: Connection to Perfusion Pump A perfusion pump filled with normal saline is connected to the butterfly needle. The saline is then infused into the corpus cavernosum until an erection is achieved, allowing for the assessment of vascular pressure.
  • Step 5: Monitoring Pressure Throughout the infusion, the pressure within the corpus cavernosum is continuously monitored. The goal is to reach a pressure of approximately 150 mm/Hg, which indicates adequate erectile function.
  • Step 6: Measurement of Cavernosum Pressure Once the desired pressure is achieved, the infusion of saline is stopped. The pressure within the cavernosum is then measured. A rapid decline in pressure, along with the loss of erection, may suggest vascular leakage, providing valuable diagnostic information.

3. Post-Procedure

After the completion of dynamic cavernosometry, patients may experience temporary discomfort or bruising at the injection sites. It is important for healthcare providers to monitor the patient for any immediate complications, such as excessive bleeding or signs of infection. Patients are typically advised to refrain from sexual activity for a specified period following the procedure to allow for recovery. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to discuss the results of the procedure and to determine the next steps in the management of erectile dysfunction based on the findings.

Short Descr DYNAMIC CAVERNOSOMETRY
Medium Descr DYNAMIC CAVERNOSOMETRY NJX VASOACTIVE DRUGS
Long Descr Dynamic cavernosometry, including intracavernosal injection of vasoactive drugs (eg, papaverine, phentolamine)
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 000 - Endoscopic or 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 Procedure or Service, Multiple Reduction Applies
ASC Payment Indicator Office-based surgical procedure added to ASC list in CY 2008 or later with MPFS nonfacility PE RVUs; payment based on MPFS nonfacility PE RVUs.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P6C - Minor procedures - other (Medicare fee schedule)
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 116 - Diagnostic 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.
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
Date
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Notes
1994-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 1994.
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