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Official Description

Vesiculectomy, any approach

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Vesiculectomy, as defined by CPT® Code 55650, refers to the surgical procedure involving the removal of the seminal vesicle. This procedure can be performed through various surgical approaches, including open surgical techniques and laparoscopic methods. The seminal vesicles are glandular structures located behind the bladder that play a crucial role in the male reproductive system by producing seminal fluid. The open surgical approaches to access the seminal vesicles include transperineal, transvesical through the posterior bladder wall, paravesical, retrovesical, or transcoccygeal methods. Each approach has its specific indications and techniques, allowing the surgeon to choose the most appropriate method based on the patient's condition and anatomical considerations. In the transperineal approach, for instance, an inverted-U incision is made in the perineum, allowing for direct access to the seminal vesicles. Alternatively, laparoscopic vesiculectomy involves minimally invasive techniques, utilizing small incisions and specialized instruments to perform the surgery with reduced recovery time and less postoperative pain. The choice of approach may depend on various factors, including the surgeon's expertise, the patient's anatomy, and the presence of any underlying conditions that may affect the procedure.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

Vesiculectomy is indicated for various conditions affecting the seminal vesicles. The following are explicitly provided indications for this procedure:

  • Seminal Vesicle Cysts - The presence of cysts in the seminal vesicles that may cause pain or obstructive symptoms.
  • Seminal Vesicle Tumors - The removal of benign or malignant tumors located within the seminal vesicles.
  • Chronic Infections - Persistent infections of the seminal vesicles that do not respond to conservative treatment.
  • Infertility Issues - Conditions related to seminal vesicle dysfunction that may contribute to male infertility.

2. Procedure

The vesiculectomy procedure involves several detailed steps, which can vary depending on the surgical approach chosen. Below are the procedural steps for both open and laparoscopic techniques:

  • Open Surgical Approach - In the transperineal approach, an inverted-U incision is made in the perineum, and the central tendon is divided to gain access to the seminal vesicles. A retractor is then utilized to expose the anterior rectal fascial fibers. The rectourethralis muscle is carefully divided near the apex of the prostate to facilitate access. A weighted speculum is employed to provide visibility of the seminal vesicle. The rectum is dissected away from the prostate, and Denonvilliers fascia is incised to allow for further dissection. The seminal vesicle is then meticulously dissected from the prostate, ligated at its base with sutures, and divided. The dissection continues to the apex of the gland, where the vascular pedicle is clamp ligated, and the seminal vesicle is excised.
  • Laparoscopic Approach - For the laparoscopic technique, a small U-shaped incision is made at the umbilicus, and a clamp is used to dissect down to the anterior rectus fascia, which is opened slightly to introduce a Veress needle into the peritoneal cavity. A pneumoperitoneum is created by insufflating CO2. The laparoscope is inserted through the umbilical incision, and 3-4 additional ports are placed in the lower abdomen for instrument access. A transverse opening is made in the retrovesical peritoneum, allowing identification of the vas deferens. The seminal vesicle is dissected from the vas deferens, and the seminal artery is identified, ligated with vascular clips, and cut. Dissection continues along the posterior trigone of the bladder and around the urethra until the seminal vesicle is fully excised and removed from the abdomen. After the procedure, the laparoscopic instruments are withdrawn, CO2 is evacuated from the cavity, and the fascia is closed with absorbable sutures, followed by skin closure using sutures, skin clips, or surgical glue.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care following a vesiculectomy may include monitoring for any signs of complications such as bleeding or infection. Patients are typically advised to rest and may be prescribed pain management medications to alleviate discomfort. Recovery time can vary based on the surgical approach used; however, laparoscopic techniques generally allow for a quicker recovery compared to open surgery. Follow-up appointments are essential to assess healing and address any concerns. Patients may also receive guidance on activity restrictions and any necessary lifestyle modifications to support recovery.

Short Descr REMOVE SPERM DUCT POUCH
Medium Descr VESICULECTOMY ANY APPROACH
Long Descr Vesiculectomy, any 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) 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 Inpatient Procedures, not paid under OPPS
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).
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.
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.
62 Two surgeons: when 2 surgeons work together as primary surgeons performing distinct part(s) of a procedure, each surgeon should report his/her distinct operative work by adding modifier 62 to the procedure code and any associated add-on code(s) for that procedure as long as both surgeons continue to work together as primary surgeons. each surgeon should report the co-surgery once using the same procedure code. if additional procedure(s) (including add-on procedure(s) are performed during the same surgical session, separate code(s) may also be reported with modifier 62 added. note: if a co-surgeon acts as an assistant in the performance of additional procedure(s), other than those reported with the modifier 62, during the same surgical session, those services may be reported using separate procedure code(s) with modifier 80 or modifier 82 added, as appropriate.
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).
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
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)
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
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