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Official Description

Orchiopexy, inguinal or scrotal approach

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Orchiopexy is a surgical procedure aimed at repositioning an undescended testis into the scrotum, which is essential for normal testicular function and fertility. The procedure is typically performed when a testis has not descended into the scrotal sac by the age of one year, a condition known as cryptorchidism. The surgery involves making a transverse incision in the inguinal region or scrotum, allowing the surgeon to access the inguinal canal and the spermatic cord. During the operation, the ilioinguinal nerve is carefully identified and preserved to prevent nerve damage. The spermatic cord and the testis are then located, and any fibrous tissue, such as the gubernaculum, that may be restricting the testis is divided to facilitate movement. If a hernia sac is present, it is meticulously separated from the spermatic fascia and ligated to prevent complications. The procedure also includes creating a tunnel from the groin to the scrotum, where the testis is ultimately placed in a newly created pouch within the scrotum. This surgical intervention not only corrects the position of the testis but also minimizes the risk of future complications, such as testicular torsion or infertility, by ensuring that the testis is securely anchored in its new location.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure of orchiopexy is indicated for the following conditions:

  • Undescended Testis The primary indication for orchiopexy is the presence of an undescended testis, also known as cryptorchidism, where the testis has not descended into the scrotum by the appropriate age.
  • Testicular Torsion Risk Orchiopexy may be indicated in cases where there is a risk of testicular torsion due to the abnormal positioning of the testis.
  • Hernia Presence The procedure is also indicated when an inguinal hernia is present alongside the undescended testis, requiring correction to prevent complications.

2. Procedure

The orchiopexy procedure involves several detailed steps to ensure the successful repositioning of the undescended testis:

  • Step 1: Incision A transverse incision is made in the inguinal region, allowing access to the underlying tissues. The incision is carefully extended through the subcutaneous tissue to reach the external oblique aponeurosis.
  • Step 2: Opening the Inguinal Canal The inguinal canal is opened, and the ilioinguinal nerve is identified and isolated to prevent any potential nerve damage during the procedure.
  • Step 3: Identifying the Spermatic Cord and Testis The spermatic cord and the undescended testis are located. If a fibrous cord known as the gubernaculum is present, it is divided at the proximal end using a hemostat to facilitate manipulation of the spermatic cord.
  • Step 4: Dissection The spermatic cord is elevated, and blunt dissection is performed off the anterior cremaster muscle fibers to reach the internal ring. If a hernia sac is present, it is carefully dissected from the spermatic fascia, separating the cord structures from the hernia sac.
  • Step 5: Hernia Sac Management The hernia sac is transected and dissected up to the internal inguinal ring, where it is ligated with sutures to prevent complications.
  • Step 6: Delivery of Testis The testis, spermatic cord, and any distal hernia sac are delivered out of the inguinal incision. The hernia sac may be repositioned with absorbable suture behind the spermatic cord or testis to prevent the formation of a hydrocele.
  • Step 7: Creating a Tunnel A tunnel is created from the groin to the scrotum. A second transverse incision is made in the scrotum on the same side as the inguinal incision, and a pouch is created by dissecting the scrotal skin from the underlying dartos muscle.
  • Step 8: Testis Placement A suture may be placed through the testis to deliver it through the tunnel, or a clamp can be passed from the scrotum to the inguinal incision to grasp the testis and pull it into the dartos pouch.
  • Step 9: Examining the Spermatic Cord The spermatic cord is carefully examined for any signs of torsion, ensuring that it is in a healthy state.
  • Step 10: Securing the Testis To prevent the testis from migrating back to the inguinal area, the inlet to the pouch may be narrowed by placing a non-suture through the dartos muscle, incorporating the parietal tunica vaginalis in the stitch. Alternatively, the testis may be sutured to the scrotal septum to anchor it in the new location.
  • Step 11: Closure The scrotal incision is closed, and if a hernia sac was present, the transversalis fascia may require approximation to close the internal inguinal ring. The external oblique aponeurosis, subcutaneous tissue, and skin edges are then closed in layers.

3. Post-Procedure

After the orchiopexy procedure, patients are typically monitored for any immediate complications. Post-operative care may include pain management and instructions for activity restrictions to ensure proper healing. Patients are advised to avoid strenuous activities for a specified period to prevent strain on the surgical site. Follow-up appointments are essential to assess the position of the testis and to ensure that there are no complications such as infection or recurrence of the hernia. The expected recovery time may vary, but most patients can return to normal activities within a few weeks, depending on individual healing and the extent of the surgery performed.

Short Descr ORCHIOPEXY INGUN/SCROT APPR
Medium Descr ORCHIOPEXY INGUINAL OR SCROTAL APPROACH
Long Descr Orchiopexy, inguinal or scrotal approach
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) 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 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) P1G - Major procedure - Other
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 118 - Other OR therapeutic procedures, male genital
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.
50 Bilateral procedure: unless otherwise identified in the listings, bilateral procedures that are performed at the same session, should be identified by adding modifier 50 to the appropriate 5 digit code. note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
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.
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).
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)
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
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)
XP Separate practitioner, a service that is distinct because it was performed by a different practitioner
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
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2020-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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