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Official Description

Salpingo-oophorectomy, complete or partial, unilateral or bilateral (separate procedure)

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 58720 refers to a surgical procedure known as salpingo-oophorectomy, which can be either complete or partial and may be performed unilaterally (on one side) or bilaterally (on both sides). This procedure involves the removal of the fallopian tube (salpingectomy) and, in cases where a complete salpingo-oophorectomy is performed, the ovary (oophorectomy) as well. The surgery is typically conducted through an abdominal incision, allowing the physician to access the reproductive organs directly. During the procedure, the fallopian tube is carefully mobilized, and the broad ligament, which supports the reproductive organs, is incised to facilitate the removal of the fallopian tube and ovary. The procedure may be indicated for various medical conditions, including ectopic pregnancy, ovarian cysts, or other gynecological issues. The meticulous steps involved ensure that the surrounding structures are preserved as much as possible while achieving the surgical goals. This procedure is classified as a separate procedure, meaning it is distinct from other surgical interventions that may be performed concurrently.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure described by CPT® Code 58720 is indicated for various medical conditions that may necessitate the removal of the fallopian tube and ovary. These indications include:

  • Ectopic Pregnancy - A condition where a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, often in a fallopian tube, which can lead to serious complications.
  • Ovarian Cysts - Fluid-filled sacs on the ovary that may cause pain or other symptoms, and may require surgical intervention if they are large or symptomatic.
  • Ovarian Tumors - Abnormal growths on the ovary that may be benign or malignant, necessitating removal for diagnosis or treatment.
  • Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) - An infection of the female reproductive organs that can lead to complications such as abscesses or chronic pain.
  • Endometriosis - A condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, potentially affecting the ovaries and fallopian tubes.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 58720 involves several detailed steps to ensure the safe and effective removal of the fallopian tube and ovary. The steps are as follows:

  • Step 1: Incision - The surgeon begins by making an incision in the abdomen to access the reproductive organs. This incision allows for direct visualization and manipulation of the fallopian tubes and ovaries.
  • Step 2: Clamping the Fallopian Tube - A clamp is applied to the fallopian tube at the tubouterine junction, which is the area where the fallopian tube connects to the uterus. This step is crucial for controlling blood flow during the procedure.
  • Step 3: Mobilization of the Fallopian Tube - The fallopian tube is carefully mobilized to expose the broad ligament, which is a supportive structure in the pelvic region. This mobilization is essential for the subsequent steps of the procedure.
  • Step 4: Incising the Broad Ligament - The broad ligament is clamped at its superior aspect and incised to free the superior portion of the fallopian tube. This allows for better access to the structures that need to be removed.
  • Step 5: Repairing the Broad Ligament - After the necessary structures are freed, the broad ligament is repaired using mattress sutures to ensure proper healing and support.
  • Step 6: Incision Around the Fallopian Tube - An elliptical incision is made around the base of the fallopian tube at its insertion into the uterus. This incision is critical for detaching the fallopian tube from the uterus.
  • Step 7: Dissection Through the Muscle Plane - The surgeon dissects through the muscle plane of the uterus to sever the fallopian tube from the uterus. This step requires precision to avoid damaging surrounding tissues.
  • Step 8: Removal of the Fallopian Tube and Ovary - The fallopian tube, along with the ovary if indicated, is severed and removed from the body. This step completes the surgical intervention on that side.
  • Step 9: Repairing the Uterine Incision - The incision made in the uterus is then repaired to ensure proper healing and to maintain the integrity of the uterine structure.
  • Step 10: Bilateral Procedure - If a bilateral salpingectomy and oophorectomy are required, the procedure is repeated on the opposite side, following the same meticulous steps to ensure consistency and safety.

3. Post-Procedure

After the completion of the salpingo-oophorectomy procedure, patients are typically monitored for any immediate complications. Post-procedure care may include pain management, monitoring for signs of infection, and ensuring proper healing of the surgical incisions. Patients may be advised on activity restrictions and follow-up appointments to assess recovery. The expected recovery time can vary based on whether the procedure was unilateral or bilateral, as well as the patient's overall health. It is important for patients to follow their physician's instructions regarding post-operative care to promote optimal healing and recovery.

Short Descr REMOVAL OF OVARY/TUBE(S)
Medium Descr SALPINGO-OOPHORECTOMY COMPL/PRTL UNI/BI SPX
Long Descr Salpingo-oophorectomy, complete or partial, unilateral or bilateral (separate procedure)
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) P1G - Major procedure - Other
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 119 - Oophorectomy, unilateral and bilateral
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.
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.
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
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
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
X4 Episodic/focused services: for reporting services by clinicians who provide focused care on particular types of treatment limited to a defined period and circumstance; the patient has a problem, acute or chronic, that will be treated with surgery, radiation, or some other type of generally time-limited intervention; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to, the orthopedic surgeon performing a knee replacement and seeing the patient through the postoperative period
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
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