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Official Description

Paravaginal defect repair (including repair of cystocele, if performed), laparoscopic approach

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

A paravaginal defect repair is a surgical procedure aimed at correcting a specific type of pelvic floor disorder known as a paravaginal defect. This condition arises from the loss of support provided by the arcus tendineus fascia pelvis (ATFP), which is crucial for maintaining the structural integrity of the vagina. When this support is compromised, it can lead to the prolapse of the bladder and urethra, resulting in conditions such as cystocele or cystourethrocele. The procedure is performed using a laparoscopic approach, which is a minimally invasive technique that involves making small incisions in the abdomen. This method allows for the insertion of a laparoscope—a thin, lighted tube equipped with a camera—enabling the surgeon to visualize the pelvic organs on a monitor. The laparoscopic approach not only reduces recovery time and minimizes scarring compared to traditional open surgery but also enhances precision in identifying and repairing the defect. During the procedure, if a cystocele repair is necessary, it is included as part of the overall surgical intervention. The goal of the paravaginal defect repair is to restore normal anatomical support to the pelvic organs, thereby alleviating symptoms associated with pelvic organ prolapse and improving the patient's quality of life.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The paravaginal defect repair procedure is indicated for patients experiencing pelvic organ prolapse due to a paravaginal defect. The following conditions may warrant this surgical intervention:

  • Cystocele: A condition where the bladder protrudes into the anterior wall of the vagina due to weakened pelvic support structures.
  • Cystourethrocele: A combination of cystocele and urethral prolapse, where both the bladder and urethra descend into the vaginal canal.
  • Pelvic Organ Prolapse: General term for the descent of pelvic organs (bladder, uterus, rectum) due to weakened pelvic support.

2. Procedure

The paravaginal defect repair procedure involves several key steps, each critical to the successful correction of the defect:

  • Step 1: The procedure begins with the patient positioned appropriately, and anesthesia is administered. A small incision is made below the umbilicus to facilitate the insertion of the laparoscope.
  • Step 2: Additional small incisions are created in the abdominal wall, and trocars are placed to allow for the introduction of surgical instruments. One of these incisions is made into the peritoneum above the bladder and behind the pubic bone.
  • Step 3: The surgeon enters the retropubic space, also known as the space of Retzius, and carefully dissects the area to expose the paravaginal defect.
  • Step 4: Using the laparoscope for visualization, the surgeon identifies the defect and confirms its location through a digital vaginal examination.
  • Step 5: Sutures are placed along the anterior lateral vaginal sulcus at the site of the defect, which may be unilateral or bilateral, and are carried through the pubocervical fascia.
  • Step 6: The sutures are then passed through the internal obturator muscle, positioned immediately above the ATFP, and are placed from the underside along the full length of the pubic symphysis to the ischial spine.
  • Step 7: A retractor is inserted into the vaginal vault to maintain visibility and access, and the sutures are tied sequentially using either an intracorporeal or extracorporeal knot tying technique.
  • Step 8: Finally, the repair of the defect is confirmed through both a digital vaginal examination and direct visualization via the laparoscope, ensuring that the anatomical support has been restored effectively.

3. Post-Procedure

After the paravaginal defect repair, patients are typically monitored for any immediate complications. Post-procedure care may include pain management, instructions for activity restrictions, and guidance on pelvic floor exercises to aid recovery. Patients are advised to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities for a specified period to allow for proper healing. Follow-up appointments are essential to assess the surgical site and ensure that the repair is holding well, as well as to address any concerns the patient may have during the recovery process.

Short Descr REPAIR PARAVAG DEFECT LAP
Medium Descr PARAVAGINAL DEFECT REPAIR LAPAROSCOPIC APPROACH
Long Descr Paravaginal defect repair (including repair of cystocele, if performed), laparoscopic 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) 2 - Co-surgeons permitted and no documentation required if the two- specialty requirement is met.
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
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P1G - Major procedure - Other
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 129 - Repair of cystocele and rectocele, obliteration of vaginal vault

This is a primary code that can be used with these additional add-on codes.

49327 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 Laparoscopy, surgical; with placement of interstitial device(s) for radiation therapy guidance (eg, fiducial markers, dosimeter), intra-abdominal, intrapelvic, and/or retroperitoneum, including imaging guidance, if performed, single or multiple (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
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).
80 Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s).
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
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.
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
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.
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).
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
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
SA Nurse practitioner rendering service in collaboration with a physician
XE Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter
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
2011-01-01 Changed Short description changed.
2008-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 2008.
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