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

Closure of rectovaginal fistula; abdominal approach

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 57305 refers to the surgical procedure known as the closure of a rectovaginal fistula using an abdominal approach. A rectovaginal fistula is an abnormal connection between the rectum and the vagina, which can lead to significant complications, including incontinence and infection. This type of fistula is often associated with severe conditions such as malignant neoplasms or as a consequence of radiation therapy, which can damage the tissues in the pelvic region. The abdominal approach is specifically utilized when the fistula is situated high in the rectum, making it more challenging to access through the vaginal route. During the procedure, a surgical incision is made in the lower abdomen to gain access to the affected area. The surgeon carefully dissects the rectovaginal septum to locate the fistula. Once identified, the fistula is divided, and the openings in both the rectum and vagina are meticulously closed using sutures to restore normal anatomy and function. This procedure is critical for alleviating the symptoms associated with rectovaginal fistulas and improving the quality of life for affected patients.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The closure of a rectovaginal fistula via an abdominal approach is indicated in specific clinical scenarios. The following conditions may warrant this surgical intervention:

  • Malignant Neoplasm The presence of a malignant tumor in the pelvic region can lead to the formation of a rectovaginal fistula, necessitating surgical closure.
  • Radiation Therapy Patients who have undergone radiation therapy for pelvic cancers may develop rectovaginal fistulas as a complication, requiring surgical repair.

2. Procedure

The procedure for the closure of a rectovaginal fistula using an abdominal approach involves several critical steps, each designed to ensure effective repair of the fistula.

  • Step 1: Incision The surgeon begins by making an incision in the lower abdomen to access the pelvic cavity. This incision provides the necessary visibility and access to the rectovaginal area where the fistula is located.
  • Step 2: Dissection Following the incision, the surgeon carefully dissects the rectovaginal septum. This step is crucial as it allows for the identification of the fistula, which is the abnormal connection between the rectum and vagina.
  • Step 3: Identification of the Fistula Once the septum is dissected, the surgeon locates the fistula. This identification is essential for the subsequent steps of the procedure, ensuring that the correct anatomical structures are addressed.
  • Step 4: Division of the Fistula The next step involves dividing the fistula. This action separates the abnormal connection, preparing the tissue for closure.
  • Step 5: Closure of Openings After the fistula is divided, the openings in both the rectum and vagina are closed using sutures. This closure is performed meticulously to restore the normal anatomy and function of the affected areas.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care following the closure of a rectovaginal fistula is essential for ensuring proper healing and recovery. Patients may require monitoring for any signs of complications, such as infection or recurrence of the fistula. Pain management is typically addressed with appropriate medications. Additionally, patients may need to follow specific dietary guidelines and activity restrictions during the initial recovery phase to promote healing. Follow-up appointments are crucial to assess the surgical site and ensure that the closure is successful and that the patient is recovering as expected.

Short Descr REPAIR RECTUM-VAGINA FISTULA
Medium Descr CLSR RECTOVAGINAL FISTULA ABDOMINAL APPROACH
Long Descr Closure of rectovaginal fistula; 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
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.
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).
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).
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.)
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).
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
KX Requirements specified in the medical policy have been met
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
PD Diagnostic or related non diagnostic item or service provided in a wholly owned or operated entity to a patient who is admitted as an inpatient within 3 days
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
Date
Action
Notes
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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"