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The CPT® Code 55801 refers to a subtotal perineal prostatectomy, a surgical procedure in which the prostate gland is removed through an incision made in the perineum, the area located between the rectum and the genitals. This approach allows the surgeon to access the prostate directly while preserving the seminal vesicles, which are glands that contribute to semen production. The procedure is comprehensive and may involve several additional interventions to ensure optimal outcomes. These interventions include controlling any postoperative bleeding that may occur, performing a vasectomy by removing a segment of the vas deferens, conducting a meatotomy to enlarge the urethral opening at the tip of the penis, and performing urethral calibration or dilation to adjust the diameter of the urethra. Additionally, an internal urethrotomy may be performed, which involves making an incision within the urethra to treat strictures or blockages. This multifaceted approach is designed to address various complications that may arise during or after the surgery, ensuring that the patient receives thorough care throughout the procedure.
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The subtotal perineal prostatectomy (CPT® Code 55801) is indicated for various conditions related to the prostate gland. The following are explicitly provided indications for this procedure:
The subtotal perineal prostatectomy involves several key procedural steps, each critical to the successful removal of the prostate gland while addressing potential complications:
After the subtotal perineal prostatectomy, patients are typically monitored in a recovery area to ensure stable vital signs and to manage any immediate postoperative concerns. It is common for patients to have a catheter placed to facilitate urine drainage while the surgical site heals. Patients may experience discomfort, swelling, or bruising in the perineal area, which is expected and can be managed with pain relief medications. Follow-up appointments are essential to monitor recovery, assess for any complications, and remove the catheter when appropriate. Patients are advised on activity restrictions and signs of potential complications, such as excessive bleeding or signs of infection, to ensure a smooth recovery process.
| Short Descr | REMOVAL OF PROSTATE | Medium Descr | PROSTATECTOMY PERINEAL SUBTOTAL | Long Descr | Prostatectomy, perineal, subtotal (including control of postoperative bleeding, vasectomy, meatotomy, urethral calibration and/or dilation, and internal urethrotomy) | 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) | 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply. | 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) | P1G - Major procedure - Other | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 114 - Open prostatectomy |
| 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). | 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.) | 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 |
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| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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