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Official Description

Colpopexy, abdominal approach

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 57280 refers to a surgical intervention known as colpopexy, specifically performed through an abdominal approach. This procedure is aimed at suspending the vaginal apex, which is the uppermost part of the vagina, to provide support and alleviate conditions such as pelvic organ prolapse. During the operation, a physician utilizes an obturator to elevate the vaginal apex, facilitating access to the surgical site. An incision is made in the lower abdomen to expose the bowel, allowing for the retraction of the sigmoid colon to the left pelvic sidewall. The peritoneum, which is the membrane lining the abdominal cavity, is then incised to access the necessary anatomical structures. The anterior longitudinal ligament is exposed, and sutures are placed at the S2-S3 level to secure the mesh that will support the vaginal apex. A Y-shaped piece of mesh is prepared and sutured to both the anterior and posterior vaginal apex, effectively suspending it and restoring anatomical support. Finally, the peritoneum is closed over the mesh, and the abdominal incision is sutured closed, completing the procedure. This detailed approach ensures that the vaginal apex is adequately supported, addressing issues related to pelvic organ prolapse.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The colpopexy procedure, as described by CPT® Code 57280, is indicated for patients experiencing pelvic organ prolapse, which may manifest as various symptoms and conditions. The following are explicitly provided indications for performing this surgical intervention:

  • Pelvic Organ Prolapse The procedure is indicated for women who have a significant descent of pelvic organs, such as the bladder, uterus, or rectum, leading to discomfort or functional impairment.
  • Vaginal Apex Descent Colpopexy is specifically indicated for cases where the vaginal apex has descended, contributing to symptoms such as urinary incontinence or pelvic pressure.
  • Failure of Conservative Treatments The procedure may be indicated for patients who have not responded adequately to conservative management options, such as pelvic floor exercises or pessary use.

2. Procedure

The colpopexy procedure involves several critical steps to ensure proper suspension of the vaginal apex. The following procedural steps are outlined:

  • Step 1: Preparation and Anesthesia The patient is positioned appropriately, and general or regional anesthesia is administered to ensure comfort throughout the procedure. An obturator is placed in the vaginal vault to elevate the vaginal apex, providing better access for the surgical intervention.
  • Step 2: Abdominal Incision A surgical incision is made in the lower abdomen, allowing the surgeon to access the abdominal cavity. This incision is crucial for exposing the bowel and the necessary anatomical structures involved in the procedure.
  • Step 3: Bowel Retraction The sigmoid colon is carefully retracted laterally to the left pelvic sidewall. This maneuver is essential to create a clear surgical field and to protect the bowel during the procedure.
  • Step 4: Peritoneal Incision The peritoneum is incised at the right paracolic gutter, extending from the sacral promontory to the cul-de-sac. This step allows access to the anterior longitudinal ligament and the surrounding structures.
  • Step 5: Exposure of Anterior Longitudinal Ligament The anterior longitudinal ligament is exposed, providing a stable anchor point for the sutures that will secure the mesh.
  • Step 6: Suture Placement Two to four sutures are placed in the anterior longitudinal ligament at the S2-S3 level. These sutures are critical for anchoring the mesh that will support the vaginal apex.
  • Step 7: Entry into Vesicovaginal Space The vesicovaginal space is entered, allowing for the placement of the mesh that will provide support to the vaginal apex.
  • Step 8: Mesh Placement A previously prepared Y-shaped piece of mesh is sutured to both the anterior and posterior vaginal apex. This mesh is then attached to the sacral sutures, effectively suspending the vaginal apex and restoring its anatomical position.
  • Step 9: Closure of Peritoneum The peritoneum is closed over the mesh, ensuring that the internal structures are protected and properly positioned.
  • Step 10: Abdominal Incision Closure Finally, the incision in the abdomen is closed in layers, completing the surgical procedure and ensuring proper healing.

3. Post-Procedure

After the colpopexy procedure, patients are typically monitored for any immediate complications. Post-operative care may include pain management, monitoring for signs of infection, and ensuring proper healing of the surgical site. Patients are often advised on activity restrictions, particularly avoiding heavy lifting or strenuous activities for a specified period to promote recovery. Follow-up appointments are essential to assess the success of the procedure and to address any concerns related to urinary function or pelvic support. The expected recovery time may vary based on individual health factors and the extent of the surgery performed.

Short Descr SUSPENSION OF VAGINA
Medium Descr COLPOPEXY ABDOMINAL APPROACH
Long Descr Colpopexy, abdominal 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) 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 132 - Other OR therapeutic procedures, female organs
80 Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s).
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).
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
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.
52 Reduced services: under certain circumstances a service or procedure is partially reduced or eliminated at the discretion of the physician or other qualified health care professional. under these circumstances the service provided can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 52, signifying that the service is reduced. this provides a means of reporting reduced services without disturbing the identification of the basic service. note: for hospital outpatient reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well-being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
53 Discontinued procedure: under certain circumstances, the physician or other qualified health care professional may elect to terminate a surgical or diagnostic procedure. due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, it may be necessary to indicate that a surgical or diagnostic procedure was started but discontinued. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 53 to the code reported by the individual for the discontinued procedure. note: this modifier is not used to report the elective cancellation of a procedure prior to the patient's anesthesia induction and/or surgical preparation in the operating suite. for outpatient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
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.)
81 Minimum assistant surgeon: minimum surgical assistant services are identified by adding modifier 81 to the usual procedure number.
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).
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
KX Requirements specified in the medical policy have been met
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
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