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Official Description

Laparoscopy, surgical; with lysis of adhesions (salpingolysis, ovariolysis) (separate procedure)

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

A laparoscopy with lysis of adhesions is a minimally invasive surgical procedure aimed at addressing adhesions that may be affecting the fallopian tubes or ovaries. Adhesions are bands of scar tissue that can form after surgery, infection, or inflammation, leading to complications such as pain, infertility, or obstruction. The procedure involves the use of a laparoscope, a thin tube equipped with a camera and light, which allows the surgeon to visualize the abdominal cavity without making large incisions. During the procedure, a tenaculum is used to grasp the cervix, facilitating the anteflexion of the uterus, which helps in accessing the pelvic organs. A small incision is made near the umbilicus to insert a port through which the laparoscope is introduced, and carbon dioxide is insufflated to create a working space in the abdomen. The surgeon inspects the abdominal cavity for adhesions and meticulously divides the scar tissue surrounding the fallopian tubes and ovaries using various techniques, including blunt or sharp dissection, laser, or electrocautery. The goal is to restore the normal mobility and function of these reproductive organs. To further prevent the recurrence of adhesions, a synthetic protective material may be placed in the pelvic cavity. After the procedure, the surgeon inspects the area for any signs of bleeding, withdraws the instruments, and closes the portal incisions, ensuring a thorough and careful approach to minimize complications and promote recovery.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure of laparoscopy with lysis of adhesions is indicated for various conditions that may lead to the formation of adhesions affecting the reproductive organs. These indications include:

  • Infertility - Adhesions can obstruct the fallopian tubes, preventing the passage of eggs and sperm, which may lead to difficulties in conceiving.
  • Pelvic Pain - Chronic pelvic pain may be caused by adhesions that restrict the movement of the ovaries and fallopian tubes, leading to discomfort.
  • Previous Pelvic Surgery - Patients who have undergone prior surgeries in the pelvic region may develop adhesions as a result of the healing process.
  • Endometriosis - The presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus can lead to the formation of adhesions, which may require surgical intervention.

2. Procedure

The procedure of laparoscopy with lysis of adhesions involves several key steps that are performed with precision to ensure the best possible outcome for the patient.

  • Step 1: Preparation - The patient is positioned appropriately, and anesthesia is administered to ensure comfort during the procedure. A tenaculum is inserted into the vagina to grasp the cervix, allowing the uterus to be anteflexed for better access to the pelvic organs.
  • Step 2: Port Placement - A small incision is made at the periumbilical area, and a port is inserted. Pneumoperitoneum is established by insufflating the abdominal cavity with carbon dioxide, creating a working space for the surgeon.
  • Step 3: Laparoscopic Inspection - The laparoscope is introduced through the port, allowing the surgeon to visualize the abdominal cavity and assess the condition of the fallopian tubes and ovaries. This step is crucial for identifying the extent of adhesions present.
  • Step 4: Lysis of Adhesions - The surgeon meticulously divides the scar tissue surrounding the tubes and ovaries. This can be accomplished through various techniques, including blunt or sharp dissection, laser, or electrocautery, depending on the nature and location of the adhesions.
  • Step 5: Placement of Protective Material - To help prevent the formation of new adhesions, a synthetic protective material that breaks down over time may be placed in the pelvic cavity.
  • Step 6: Closure - After ensuring that all adhesions have been severed and the mobility of the tubes and ovaries is restored, the pelvic area is inspected for any signs of bleeding. The instruments are then withdrawn, and pressure is applied to the abdomen to express any remaining air in the peritoneum. Finally, the portal incisions are closed securely.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care following a laparoscopy with lysis of adhesions typically involves monitoring the patient for any immediate complications, such as bleeding or infection. Patients may experience some discomfort or pain, which can be managed with prescribed pain relief medications. Recovery time can vary, but many patients are able to return to normal activities within a few days. It is important for patients to follow their healthcare provider's instructions regarding activity restrictions and follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing and assess the success of the procedure.

Short Descr LAPAROSCOPY LYSIS
Medium Descr LAPAROSCOPY W/LYSIS OF ADHESIONS
Long Descr Laparoscopy, surgical; with lysis of adhesions (salpingolysis, ovariolysis) (separate procedure)
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 090 - Major Surgery
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 3 - Special payment adjustment rules for multiple endoscopic 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.
Endoscopic Base Code 49320  Laparoscopy, abdomen, peritoneum, and omentum, diagnostic, with or without collection of specimen(s) by brushing or washing (separate procedure)
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Hospital Part B services paid through a comprehensive APC
ASC Payment Indicator Surgical procedure on ASC list in CY 2007; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P5E - Ambulatory procedures - other
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 132 - Other OR therapeutic procedures, female organs
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).
AG Primary physician
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
KX Requirements specified in the medical policy have been met
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
Q6 Service furnished under a fee-for-time compensation arrangement by a substitute physician or by a substitute physical therapist furnishing outpatient physical therapy services in a health professional shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a rural area
SG Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service
XE Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter
XP Separate practitioner, a service that is distinct because it was performed by a different practitioner
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
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.
2000-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 2000.
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