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Official Description

Vaginal hysterectomy, radical (Schauta type operation)

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

A radical vaginal hysterectomy, specifically referred to as the Schauta type operation, is a comprehensive surgical procedure that involves the removal of several key reproductive structures. This procedure is characterized by the excision of the uterus, cervix, pelvic lymph nodes, and the upper third of the vagina. In many cases, the fallopian tubes and ovaries are also removed, along with the surrounding parametrial tissue. The operation typically requires a combination of vaginal and abdominal approaches to ensure complete access to the pelvic and para-aortic lymph nodes, which are critical for assessing potential cancer spread. The procedure begins with the sampling of para-aortic lymph nodes, which involves making an abdominal incision to isolate and biopsy these nodes. Following this, the surgeon proceeds with the radical hysterectomy through the vaginal route, meticulously dissecting and removing the necessary tissues while preserving important anatomical structures such as the genitofemoral nerve and psoas muscle. The operation concludes with the excision of the upper vaginal wall, which may be followed by additional reconstructive procedures if necessary. This detailed approach is essential for treating various gynecological conditions, particularly malignancies, while aiming to minimize complications and ensure thorough removal of affected tissues.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The radical vaginal hysterectomy (Schauta type operation) is indicated for various gynecological conditions, particularly those involving malignancies. The following are specific indications for this procedure:

  • Uterine Cancer - This procedure is often performed in cases of invasive cervical or endometrial cancer where comprehensive removal of the uterus and surrounding tissues is necessary.
  • Cervical Cancer - Patients diagnosed with cervical cancer may require this extensive surgery to ensure complete excision of cancerous tissues.
  • Pelvic Organ Prolapse - In certain cases, severe pelvic organ prolapse may necessitate a radical approach to restore anatomical integrity and function.
  • Endometriosis - Advanced endometriosis that affects the uterus and surrounding structures may also warrant this surgical intervention.

2. Procedure

The radical vaginal hysterectomy involves several critical procedural steps, each designed to ensure thorough removal of the targeted tissues while minimizing complications.

  • Step 1: Lymph Node Sampling - The procedure begins with the physician making an abdominal incision to access the para-aortic lymph nodes. These nodes are isolated bilaterally, and biopsies are obtained for frozen section analysis to assess for malignancy.
  • Step 2: Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection - Following the para-aortic node sampling, the surgeon may extend the incision to approach the common iliac nodes retroperitoneally. Additional pelvic lymph nodes are accessed through pelvic incisions, ensuring careful dissection to preserve surrounding structures.
  • Step 3: Radical Hysterectomy - An incision is made in the upper vaginal wall, and the paravesical and pararectal spaces are opened. The uterine artery is identified, isolated, and divided, followed by clipping and mobilization of the uterine vein. The cardinal ligament is detached, and the peritoneum is divided to facilitate further dissection.
  • Step 4: Uterine Mobilization - The uterus is mobilized by dissecting the ureters free from surrounding tissues. Any additional peritoneal attachments are severed, allowing the posterior uterine wall to be grasped and the uterus delivered through the vagina.
  • Step 5: Removal of Tubes and Ovaries - If the tubes and ovaries are to be removed, the round ligament is cut and tied bilaterally. The infundibulopelvic ligament is then cut, allowing for the delivery of the tubes and ovaries along with the uterus.
  • Step 6: Vaginal Wall Excision - After the hysterectomy, the upper third of the vaginal wall is excised through two longitudinal full-thickness incisions, one on the anterior and one on the posterior aspect, followed by a circumferential incision around the vaginal wall.
  • Step 7: Closure - The peritoneum is closed, and any bleeding is controlled before concluding the procedure. If necessary, separately reportable vaginal reconstruction with skin grafts may be performed at the same or a subsequent surgical session.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care following a radical vaginal hysterectomy includes monitoring for complications such as bleeding, infection, and urinary issues. Patients are typically advised to rest and avoid strenuous activities for a specified recovery period. Follow-up appointments are essential to assess healing and address any concerns. Additionally, patients may require counseling regarding hormonal changes and potential impacts on sexual function, depending on whether the ovaries were removed during the procedure. Pain management and wound care instructions are also provided to facilitate recovery.

Short Descr EXTENSIVE HYSTERECTOMY
Medium Descr VAGINAL HYSTERECTOMY RADICAL SCHAUTA OPERATION
Long Descr Vaginal hysterectomy, radical (Schauta type operation)
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) P1E - Major procedure - hysterctomy
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 124 - Hysterectomy, abdominal and vaginal
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.
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
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