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Official Description

Laparoscopy, surgical, with total hysterectomy, for uterus greater than 250 g; with removal of tube(s) and/or ovary(s)

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

A total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure aimed at removing the uterus, specifically when it weighs more than 250 grams. This procedure is typically indicated for conditions such as uterine fibroids, abnormal bleeding, or other gynecological issues that necessitate the removal of the uterus. The surgery is performed using a laparoscope, which is a thin, lighted tube inserted through small incisions in the abdomen, allowing the surgeon to view the internal organs on a monitor. In cases where the uterus is too large to be removed intact, it may be morcellized, meaning it is broken down into smaller pieces for easier extraction. The procedure also involves the removal of the fallopian tubes and/or ovaries, if necessary, which can be done simultaneously. The use of laparoscopic techniques generally results in less postoperative pain, shorter recovery times, and minimal scarring compared to traditional open surgery. The procedure begins with the insertion of a urinary catheter and progresses through a series of carefully orchestrated steps to ensure the safe and effective removal of the uterus and associated structures.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) procedure is indicated for various conditions that may affect the uterus, particularly when the uterus is larger than 250 grams. The following are specific indications for performing this procedure:

  • Uterine Fibroids - Noncancerous growths in the uterus that can cause pain, heavy bleeding, or other complications.
  • Abnormal Uterine Bleeding - Heavy or irregular menstrual bleeding that does not respond to other treatments.
  • Uterine Prolapse - A condition where the uterus descends into the vaginal canal due to weakened pelvic support.
  • Endometriosis - A condition where tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus grows outside of it, causing pain and other symptoms.
  • Malignancy - Suspected or confirmed cancer of the uterus, which may necessitate removal of the uterus and associated structures.

2. Procedure

The total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) involves several detailed procedural steps to ensure the safe and effective removal of the uterus and any associated structures. The following steps outline the procedure:

  • Step 1: Preparation - The patient is positioned appropriately, and a urinary catheter is inserted into the bladder through the urethra to facilitate bladder management during the procedure.
  • Step 2: Cervical Dilation and Uterine Measurement - The cervix is dilated, and a uterine sound is inserted to measure the uterine length, ensuring accurate surgical planning.
  • Step 3: Uterine Manipulator Placement - A uterine manipulator is placed transvaginally through the cervix to assist in maneuvering the uterus during the procedure.
  • Step 4: Incision and Insufflation - An incision is made below the umbilicus, and a laparoscope is inserted. The abdomen is then insufflated with gas to create a working space for the surgery.
  • Step 5: Additional Incisions - Additional suprapubic and bilateral incisions near the hip bones are made to allow for the insertion of other surgical instruments necessary for the procedure.
  • Step 6: Identification and Protection of Ureters - The ureters are carefully identified and protected to prevent injury during the surgical process.
  • Step 7: Bladder Dissection - The peritoneum overlying the bladder is incised, and the bladder is dissected off the lower uterine segment to expose the anterior vagina.
  • Step 8: Vaginal Incision - An incision is made into the anterior aspect of the vagina, which is then extended laterally and posteriorly while preserving the uterosacral ligament.
  • Step 9: Division of Ligaments and Blood Vessels - The utero-ovarian ligament, uterine attachments, and blood vessels are divided to facilitate the removal of the uterus.
  • Step 10: Morcellation (if necessary) - If uterine fibroids are present, they may be morcellized and removed through the umbilical incision to allow for easier extraction.
  • Step 11: Delivery of Uterus - The patient is placed in a high lithotomy position, and the pneumoperitoneum is allowed to escape. The uterus and cervix are then delivered into the vagina for removal.
  • Step 12: Morcellation of Large Uterus - If the uterus is too large to deliver intact, it is morcellized transvaginally, delivered into the vagina, and subsequently removed.
  • Step 13: Abdomen Reinflation - The occlusion device is replaced, and the abdomen is reinflated to prepare for closure.
  • Step 14: Vaginal Closure - The vagina is closed by laparoscopic suturing of the apex, which is supported with sutures in the uterosacral ligaments to prevent vaginal prolapse.

3. Post-Procedure

After the total laparoscopic hysterectomy, patients are typically monitored in a recovery area. Post-procedure care may include managing pain with medications, monitoring for any signs of complications, and ensuring proper urinary function following catheter removal. Patients are usually advised on activity restrictions and may receive instructions on wound care. The expected recovery time is generally shorter compared to traditional open surgery, with many patients able to resume normal activities within a few weeks. Follow-up appointments are essential to assess healing and address any concerns that may arise during the recovery process.

Short Descr TLH W/T/O UTERUS OVER 250 G
Medium Descr LAPAROSCOPY TOT HYSTERECTOMY >250 G W/TUBE/OVAR
Long Descr Laparoscopy, surgical, with total hysterectomy, for uterus greater than 250 g; with removal of tube(s) and/or 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) 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
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) 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.

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)
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
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).
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.
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).
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
KX Requirements specified in the medical policy have been met
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
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
2013-01-01 Changed Medium Descriptor changed.
2008-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 2008.
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