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Official Description

Transplantation of testis(es) to thigh (because of scrotal destruction)

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 54680 involves the surgical transplantation of one or both testes to the thigh, specifically indicated for cases where there has been destruction of the scrotum. This surgical intervention is crucial for preserving testicular function and fertility when the scrotal environment is compromised. The transplantation process begins with the creation of small skin incisions in the thigh, which are strategically placed at the level of the scrotum to facilitate access. Through careful dissection, a superficial subcutaneous pouch is formed, allowing for the placement of the testis. A tunnel is then created extending to the perineum, which is essential for the safe descent of the spermatic cord into the pouch without causing any traction or torsion that could jeopardize the testis. The testis is delicately maneuvered through this tunnel into the thigh pouch and is secured in place using absorbable sutures to ensure stability. After the testis is positioned, the skin incision in the thigh is closed, completing the transplantation. If necessary, this procedure can be performed on the contralateral side to address any additional testicular preservation needs. It is important to note that any treatment for the scrotal injury itself may be reported separately, as it is considered a distinct procedure.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The transplantation of testis(es) to the thigh, as described by CPT® Code 54680, is indicated in specific clinical scenarios where the scrotum has been destroyed or compromised. The following conditions may warrant this surgical intervention:

  • Scrotal Destruction - This procedure is primarily performed when there is significant damage to the scrotum, which may result from trauma, surgical complications, or other pathological conditions that compromise the integrity of the scrotal environment.
  • Preservation of Testicular Function - The procedure is indicated to preserve the function of one or both testes, which is critical for maintaining hormonal balance and fertility in affected individuals.

2. Procedure

The procedure for the transplantation of testis(es) to the thigh involves several detailed steps to ensure successful placement and preservation of the testes. The following outlines the procedural steps:

  • Step 1: Incision Creation - The surgeon begins by making small skin incisions in the thigh, positioned at the level of the scrotum. This strategic placement is essential for accessing the area where the testis will be relocated.
  • Step 2: Blunt Dissection - Following the incision, the surgeon performs blunt dissection to elevate the skin and create a superficial subcutaneous pouch. This pouch will serve as the new location for the testis.
  • Step 3: Tunnel Formation - The dissection is extended to form a tunnel that leads to the perineum. This tunnel is crucial as it allows the spermatic cord to descend into the pouch without experiencing any traction or torsion, which could compromise the testis.
  • Step 4: Testis Manipulation - The testis is then gently manipulated through the tunnel into the subcutaneous pouch in the thigh. Care is taken during this step to avoid any damage to the testis or surrounding structures.
  • Step 5: Securing the Testis - Once the testis is positioned within the pouch, it is secured using absorbable sutures. This ensures that the testis remains stable in its new location.
  • Step 6: Closure of Incision - After securing the testis, the skin incision in the thigh is closed, completing the transplantation process. If necessary, the procedure can be repeated on the contralateral side to address any additional testicular preservation needs.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care following the transplantation of testis(es) to the thigh involves monitoring for any complications and ensuring proper healing of the surgical site. Patients may be advised to avoid strenuous activities that could impact the healing process. Follow-up appointments are essential to assess the viability of the transplanted testis and to monitor for any signs of infection or other complications. Additionally, any treatment required for the scrotal injury may be addressed in a separately reportable procedure, ensuring comprehensive care for the patient.

Short Descr RELOCATION OF TESTIS(ES)
Medium Descr TRANSPLANTATION TESTIS TO THIGH
Long Descr Transplantation of testis(es) to thigh (because of scrotal destruction)
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) 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 118 - Other OR therapeutic procedures, male genital
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).
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
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)
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