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Official Description

Radical abdominal hysterectomy, with bilateral total pelvic lymphadenectomy and para-aortic lymph node sampling (biopsy), with or without removal of tube(s), with or without removal of ovary(s)

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 58210 refers to a radical abdominal hysterectomy, which is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the uterus along with surrounding tissues and structures. This procedure is typically indicated for patients diagnosed with cervical cancer, as it allows for a more extensive removal of cancerous tissues compared to a total hysterectomy. In addition to the uterus, this procedure includes the excision of the cervix, the upper part of the vagina, and surrounding pelvic tissues. The surgery is performed through an abdominal incision, allowing the surgeon to access the pelvic cavity effectively. During the procedure, the surgeon also performs a bilateral total pelvic lymphadenectomy, which involves the removal of lymph nodes from both sides of the pelvis, and para-aortic lymph node sampling, where lymph nodes located near the aorta are biopsied. This is crucial for assessing the spread of cancer. The procedure may also involve the removal of the fallopian tubes and/or ovaries, depending on the individual case. The meticulous dissection and removal of lymph nodes are performed with care to preserve important structures such as the genitofemoral nerve and psoas muscle. Overall, this complex surgical intervention is aimed at treating malignancies while ensuring comprehensive evaluation and management of potential metastatic disease.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The radical abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral total pelvic lymphadenectomy and para-aortic lymph node sampling is primarily indicated for the following conditions:

  • Cervical Cancer - This procedure is most commonly performed for patients diagnosed with cervical cancer, particularly in cases where the cancer has not spread beyond the cervix.
  • Endometrial Cancer - It may also be indicated for certain cases of endometrial cancer, where extensive removal of surrounding tissues is necessary.
  • Other Gynecological Malignancies - The procedure can be indicated for other gynecological cancers that require comprehensive surgical intervention to ensure complete removal of cancerous tissues.

2. Procedure

The procedure involves several critical steps to ensure thorough removal of cancerous tissues and assessment of lymphatic spread:

  • Step 1: Abdominal Incision - The surgeon begins by making an incision in the abdomen to access the pelvic cavity. This incision allows for a clear view and access to the uterus and surrounding structures.
  • Step 2: Exploration of Pelvic Lymph Nodes - Before opening the peritoneum, the surgeon explores the pelvic lymph nodes, carefully removing them while preserving the genitofemoral nerve and psoas muscle. Fatty tissue is stripped from the mid-portion of both common iliac vessels and along the internal and external iliac vessels.
  • Step 3: Lymph Node Excision - Bilateral excision of iliac, hypogastric, and obturator nodes is performed, with the removed nodes sent for a separately reportable frozen section examination to assess for malignancy.
  • Step 4: Opening the Peritoneal Cavity - The peritoneal cavity is then opened, and the abdomen and pelvis are explored for any evidence of metastatic disease.
  • Step 5: Para-Aortic Lymph Node Biopsy - The para-aortic lymph nodes are exposed, and biopsies are taken for further evaluation.
  • Step 6: Dissection of Reproductive Structures - Blunt dissection is used to expose the broad ligament, round ligament, and fallopian tubes. If the fallopian tubes and/or ovaries are to be removed, an incision is made in the broad ligament, and the ovarian vessels are visualized and ligated.
  • Step 7: Removal of Ovaries and Tubes - The fallopian tubes and ovaries are dissected free from surrounding tissues, and the round ligaments are clamped and divided, with blood vessels ligated bilaterally.
  • Step 8: Mobilization of the Bladder - The bladder is mobilized to expose the uterus, allowing for ligation of the uterine artery and vein.
  • Step 9: Dissection of Ureters - The ureters are carefully dissected from the parametrium and the tunnel of the cardinal ligament.
  • Step 10: Opening of the Rectovaginal Space - The posterior peritoneum and rectovaginal space are opened, and the uterosacral and cardinal ligaments are freed and divided.
  • Step 11: Removal of Uterus and Surrounding Tissue - The parametria is freed from its inferior attachments to the level of the vagina, and the uterus, cervix, and surrounding pelvic tissue are removed, with or without the ovaries and/or tubes.
  • Step 12: Vaginal Vault Incision - An incision is made across the top of the vaginal vault, followed by two longitudinal full-thickness incisions along the anterior and posterior aspects of the vaginal wall.
  • Step 13: Resection of Vaginal Walls - The anterior and posterior vaginal walls, along with the two lateral paravaginal spaces, are resected, and the upper portion of the vagina is removed.
  • Step 14: Possible Vaginal Reconstruction - Separately reportable vaginal reconstruction with skin grafts may be performed at the same or a subsequent surgical session, depending on the patient's needs.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care involves monitoring the patient for any complications related to the surgery, such as bleeding or infection. Patients may require pain management and will be advised on activity restrictions during the recovery period. Follow-up appointments are essential to assess healing and to discuss any further treatment options, especially if malignancy was detected in the lymph nodes. The patient may also receive guidance on managing any changes related to the removal of reproductive organs, including hormonal therapy if ovaries were removed.

Short Descr EXTENSIVE HYSTERECTOMY
Medium Descr RAD ABDL HYSTERECTOMY W/BI PELVIC LMPHADENECTOMY
Long Descr Radical abdominal hysterectomy, with bilateral total pelvic lymphadenectomy and para-aortic lymph node sampling (biopsy), with or without removal of tube(s), with or without removal of ovary(s)
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) 2 - 150% payment adjustment 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) P1E - Major procedure - hysterctomy
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 124 - Hysterectomy, abdominal and vaginal

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

96547 Add On Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N Intraoperative hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) procedure, including separate incision(s) and closure, when performed; first 60 minutes (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
96548 Add On Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N Intraoperative hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) procedure, including separate incision(s) and closure, when performed; each additional 30 minutes (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
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).
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.
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.)
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
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
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