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Official Description

Closure of urethrovaginal fistula;

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

A urethrovaginal fistula is a pathological connection between the urethra and the vagina, often resulting from surgical trauma during procedures such as anterior vaginal repair or from obstetrical trauma during vaginal delivery. The closure of this type of fistula, as described by CPT® Code 57310, involves a surgical procedure where the fistula is carefully exposed. The process begins with an incision of the vaginal mucosa, extending from the urethral meatus to the site of the fistula. This allows for the development and mobilization of fascial flaps on either side of the urethra, which are essential for the closure of the fistula. The surgical technique includes suturing the urethral mucosa to effectively close the fistula. Following this, the fascial flap on one side is sutured to the base of the flap on the opposite side, creating a secure closure. The procedure concludes with the closure of the vaginal mucosa, ensuring that the anatomical integrity is restored. This surgical intervention is critical for patients suffering from the complications associated with urethrovaginal fistulas, as it aims to restore normal function and alleviate symptoms associated with this condition.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The closure of a urethrovaginal fistula, as indicated by CPT® Code 57310, is performed in specific clinical scenarios. The following conditions typically warrant this surgical intervention:

  • Urethrovaginal Fistula A pathological connection between the urethra and vagina, often resulting from surgical trauma or obstetrical complications.
  • Complications from Anterior Vaginal Repair Surgical trauma during anterior vaginal repair procedures can lead to the formation of a urethrovaginal fistula.
  • Obstetrical Trauma Injuries sustained during vaginal delivery that may result in the development of a fistula.

2. Procedure

The procedure for the closure of a urethrovaginal fistula involves several critical steps, each designed to ensure effective repair and restoration of normal anatomy. The following outlines the procedural steps:

  • Step 1: Exposure of the Fistula The surgeon begins by exposing the urethrovaginal fistula, which is essential for direct access to the site of the defect. This is achieved through careful dissection to visualize the fistula and surrounding tissues.
  • Step 2: Incision of Vaginal Mucosa An incision is made in the vaginal mucosa, extending from the urethral meatus to the fistula site. This incision allows for adequate access to the fistula and facilitates the subsequent steps of the repair.
  • Step 3: Development of Fascial Flaps Fascial flaps are developed and mobilized on each side of the urethra. These flaps are crucial for providing the necessary tissue to close the fistula effectively.
  • Step 4: Suturing of Urethral Mucosa The urethral mucosa is sutured to close the fistula. This step is vital for restoring the integrity of the urethra and preventing future complications.
  • Step 5: Closure of Fascial Flaps The fascial flap on one side is sutured to the base of the flap on the opposite side. This creates a secure closure and reinforces the area around the urethra.
  • Step 6: Double-Breasted Closure The flap on the opposite side is then closed over the first flap in a double-breasted fashion, ensuring a robust repair that minimizes the risk of recurrence.
  • Step 7: Closure of Vaginal Mucosa Finally, the vaginal mucosa is closed, completing the procedure and restoring the anatomical structure of the vagina.

3. Post-Procedure

After the closure of the urethrovaginal fistula, specific post-procedure care is essential for optimal recovery. Patients are typically monitored for any signs of complications, such as infection or recurrence of the fistula. It is common practice to place a suprapubic catheter to allow the urethra to heal properly without undue stress. This catheterization helps maintain urinary function while the surgical site recovers. Patients may also receive instructions regarding activity restrictions and follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing and assess the success of the procedure.

Short Descr REPAIR URETHROVAGINAL LESION
Medium Descr CLOSURE URETHROVAGINAL FISTULA
Long Descr Closure of urethrovaginal fistula;
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 Hospital Part B services paid through a comprehensive APC
ASC Payment Indicator Non office-based surgical procedure added in CY 2008 or later; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P1G - Major procedure - Other
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 109 - Procedures on the urethra
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).
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
Date
Action
Notes
2010-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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