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Official Description

Laparoscopy, surgical, with radical hysterectomy, with bilateral total pelvic lymphadenectomy and para-aortic lymph node sampling (biopsy), with removal of tube(s) and ovary(s), if performed

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Laparoscopic radical hysterectomy with bilateral total pelvic lymphadenectomy and para-aortic lymph node sampling (biopsy) is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of the uterus along with surrounding tissues and lymph nodes. This minimally invasive technique utilizes laparoscopic methods, which means that the surgery is performed through small incisions using a camera and specialized instruments. The procedure may also include the removal of the fallopian tubes and ovaries if deemed necessary. The process begins with the inflation of the abdominal cavity using carbon dioxide gas to create a working space for the surgeon. Trocars, which are hollow tubes, are inserted into the abdomen to allow access for surgical instruments. A manipulator is placed in the uterus to facilitate the surgical approach. The surgery involves careful dissection of various ligaments and tissues, including the uterosacral ligaments and the broad ligament, to access and remove lymph nodes from the pelvic and para-aortic regions. This procedure is typically indicated for conditions such as gynecological cancers, where comprehensive removal of affected tissues is essential for treatment. The laparoscopic approach offers benefits such as reduced recovery time, less postoperative pain, and minimal scarring compared to traditional open surgery.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The laparoscopic radical hysterectomy with bilateral total pelvic lymphadenectomy and para-aortic lymph node sampling (biopsy) is indicated for various gynecological conditions, particularly those involving malignancies. The following are specific indications for this procedure:

  • Gynecological Cancer This procedure is commonly performed for patients diagnosed with cervical, endometrial, or ovarian cancer, where extensive surgical intervention is necessary to remove cancerous tissues and prevent further spread.
  • Abnormal Uterine Bleeding In cases where abnormal uterine bleeding is linked to underlying malignancies, this procedure may be indicated to address the source of bleeding.
  • Uterine Fibroids Large or symptomatic uterine fibroids that may be suspected of having malignant potential can also warrant this surgical approach.

2. Procedure

The laparoscopic radical hysterectomy with bilateral total pelvic lymphadenectomy and para-aortic lymph node sampling (biopsy) involves several detailed procedural steps:

  • Step 1: Preparation and Access The procedure begins with the patient being placed under general anesthesia. The abdomen is inflated with carbon dioxide gas to create a working space. Trocars are then inserted into the umbilical and suprapubic regions, as well as both lower quadrants, to allow access for laparoscopic instruments.
  • Step 2: Manipulation and Initial Dissection A manipulator is placed in the uterus to facilitate movement during the procedure. The peritoneum between the uterosacral ligaments is incised, and careful dissection is performed in the rectovaginal space, aided by a sponge placed in the posterior vaginal fornix to enhance visibility and access.
  • Step 3: Ligament Division The left round ligament is divided, followed by the division of the left uterovarian ligament and a portion of the fallopian tube. The broad ligament is dissected, extending the incision towards the bladder.
  • Step 4: Creation of Vesicovaginal Space Blunt and sharp dissection techniques are employed to create the vesicovaginal space, with assistance from a sponge placed in the anterior vaginal fornix. The bladder pillars are isolated, and the left ureter is carefully dissected from surrounding tissues.
  • Step 5: Lymphadenectomy The left uterine artery is coagulated, and the left lymph node packets overlying the external iliac vessels are separated for left pelvic lymphadenectomy. The perivesical space is opened, and the left obturator space is accessed to remove lymphatic tissue around arteries and nerves, delivering lymph node packets through the suprapubic port.
  • Step 6: Right Side Dissection The left ureteral tunnel is dissected, and the bladder pillar is divided, allowing the ureter to be rolled laterally. The right uterovarian ligament, fallopian tube, and broad ligament are then divided. The pelvic sidewall is accessed, and the right uterine artery and vein are isolated and coagulated.
  • Step 7: Final Steps The right ureter is isolated and dissected from its tunnel, and the bladder pillar is divided. The uterosacral ligaments are also divided. Right pelvic lymphadenectomy is performed, ensuring that the uterus is free of all supporting tissues. The uterus can then be delivered vaginally to ensure adequate margins with direct visualization.
  • Step 8: Closure After the uterus is removed, the vaginal cuff is closed, and the surgeon checks the vessels, ureters, and nerves to ensure there are no complications before concluding the procedure.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care following a laparoscopic radical hysterectomy with bilateral total pelvic lymphadenectomy and para-aortic lymph node sampling (biopsy) includes monitoring for any complications such as bleeding or infection. Patients are typically advised to rest and gradually increase their activity levels. Pain management is provided as needed, and follow-up appointments are scheduled to assess recovery and discuss pathology results from the removed tissues. Patients may also receive guidance on resuming normal activities, including restrictions on heavy lifting and sexual activity for a specified period to ensure proper healing.

Short Descr LAP RADICAL HYST
Medium Descr LAPS W/RAD HYST W/BILAT LMPHADEC RMVL TUBE/OVARY
Long Descr Laparoscopy, surgical, with radical hysterectomy, with bilateral total pelvic lymphadenectomy and para-aortic lymph node sampling (biopsy), with removal of tube(s) and ovary(s), if performed
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) 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 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 124 - Hysterectomy, abdominal and vaginal

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)
80 Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s).
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).
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.)
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).
AG Primary physician
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
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
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
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
Date
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Notes
2007-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 2007.
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