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The procedure described by CPT® Code 55550 refers to a laparoscopic surgical technique used to treat a condition known as varicocele, which is characterized by the enlargement of veins within the scrotum. This condition can lead to discomfort and may affect fertility in males. The laparoscopic approach allows for minimally invasive access to the spermatic veins, which are ligated to alleviate the symptoms associated with varicocele. During the procedure, a small U-shaped incision is made at the umbilicus to facilitate access to the abdominal cavity. A Veress needle is introduced to create a pneumoperitoneum, which is essential for providing a working space for the laparoscopic instruments. The laparoscope is then inserted through the umbilical incision, and additional ports are placed in a configuration that allows for optimal maneuverability of the surgical instruments. The surgeon identifies the vas deferens and gonadal vessels, excises the posterior peritoneum, and carefully isolates the gonadal vein for ligation. This technique not only minimizes recovery time and postoperative pain compared to traditional open surgery but also enhances the precision of the procedure, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes.
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The laparoscopic surgical procedure for ligation of spermatic veins for varicocele, as described by CPT® Code 55550, is indicated for the following conditions:
The procedure involves several key steps to ensure effective treatment of the varicocele:
Post-procedure care involves monitoring the patient for any immediate complications and managing pain as necessary. Patients are typically advised to avoid strenuous activities for a specified period to ensure proper healing. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to assess recovery and address any concerns related to the procedure.
| Short Descr | LAPARO LIGATE SPERMATIC VEIN | Medium Descr | LAPS LIGATION SPERMATIC VEINS VARICOCELE | Long Descr | Laparoscopy, surgical, with ligation of spermatic veins for varicocele | 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 | GV | Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider | 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) | 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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| 2000-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 2000. |
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