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

Laparoscopy, surgical; orchiectomy

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Laparoscopic orchiectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that involves the removal of one or both testicles through small incisions in the abdomen. The procedure is performed with the patient positioned supine, often in a Trendelenburg position, which helps to facilitate access to the abdominal cavity. Prior to the surgery, a Foley catheter is typically placed transurethrally to assist with bladder management during the procedure. The surgical approach begins with a small U-shaped incision at the umbilicus, allowing for the introduction of a Veress needle into the peritoneal cavity after dissecting through the anterior rectus fascia. This technique creates a pneumoperitoneum, which is essential for providing the necessary working space within the abdomen by insufflating carbon dioxide (CO2). Once the abdominal cavity is inflated, a laparoscope is inserted through the umbilical incision, and additional trocars are placed along the mid-clavicular line to facilitate the use of laparoscopic instruments. The surgeon then identifies and inspects the abdominal organs before proceeding to grasp and dissect the testis from the surrounding tissue. The spermatic cord, which includes the spermatic vessels and vas deferens, is carefully clipped and cut, allowing for the removal of the testis through the ports. After the procedure, the laparoscopic instruments are withdrawn, CO2 is evacuated from the abdominal cavity, and the fascia is closed with sutures, followed by the closure of the skin. This technique is favored for its reduced recovery time and minimized postoperative pain compared to traditional open orchiectomy methods.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The laparoscopic orchiectomy procedure is indicated for various conditions affecting the testicles. These include:

  • Testicular cancer - The removal of the testis is often necessary for the treatment of malignant tumors.
  • Testicular torsion - This condition, where the spermatic cord becomes twisted, may require surgical intervention to prevent loss of the testis.
  • Trauma to the testis - Injuries that compromise the integrity of the testis may necessitate its removal.
  • Chronic pain - In cases where chronic testicular pain is unresponsive to conservative treatment, orchiectomy may be considered.
  • Hormonal therapy - In certain cases of prostate cancer, orchiectomy may be performed as part of hormone therapy to reduce testosterone levels.

2. Procedure

The laparoscopic orchiectomy procedure involves several key steps, each critical to the successful removal of the testis.

  • Step 1: Patient Preparation - The patient is positioned supine in a Trendelenburg position to facilitate access to the abdominal cavity. A Foley catheter is placed transurethrally to manage bladder function during the procedure.
  • Step 2: Incision and Access - A small U-shaped skin incision is made at the umbilicus. A clamp is used to dissect down to the anterior rectus fascia, which is then opened slightly to allow the introduction of a Veress needle into the peritoneal cavity.
  • Step 3: Creation of Pneumoperitoneum - Carbon dioxide (CO2) is insufflated into the peritoneal cavity to create a pneumoperitoneum, providing the necessary working space for the laparoscopic instruments.
  • Step 4: Insertion of Laparoscope and Trocars - With upward traction on the abdominal wall, the laparoscope is inserted through the umbilical incision. Additional trocars are placed into the abdomen along the mid-clavicular line to facilitate the use of laparoscopic instruments.
  • Step 5: Identification and Dissection - The abdominal organs are identified and inspected. The testis is then grasped and carefully dissected free from the surrounding tissue, including the spermatic cord, spermatic vessels, and vas deferens.
  • Step 6: Removal of the Testis - The spermatic cord is clipped and cut, allowing the testis to be sealed and removed from the abdominal cavity through the ports.
  • Step 7: Closure - After the testis is removed, the laparoscopic instruments are withdrawn, and CO2 is evacuated from the cavity. The fascia is closed with sutures, followed by the closure of the skin.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care following laparoscopic orchiectomy typically involves monitoring for any immediate complications, such as bleeding or infection. Patients are usually advised to rest and may be prescribed pain management medications to alleviate discomfort. Recovery time is generally shorter compared to open surgical techniques, with many patients able to resume normal activities within a few days. Follow-up appointments are essential to ensure proper healing and to address any concerns that may arise during the recovery process. Patients should be informed about signs of complications, such as increased pain, swelling, or fever, and instructed to seek medical attention if these occur.

Short Descr LAPAROSCOPY ORCHIECTOMY
Medium Descr LAPAROSCOPY SURGICAL ORCHIECTOMY
Long Descr Laparoscopy, surgical; orchiectomy
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

This is a primary code that can be used with these additional add-on codes.

49327 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 Laparoscopy, surgical; with placement of interstitial device(s) for radiation therapy guidance (eg, fiducial markers, dosimeter), intra-abdominal, intrapelvic, and/or retroperitoneum, including imaging guidance, if performed, single or multiple (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
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).
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.
80 Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s).
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
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)
Date
Action
Notes
2011-01-01 Changed Medium description changed. Short description changed.
2000-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 2000.
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"