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Official Description

Resection (tumor debulking) of recurrent ovarian, tubal, primary peritoneal, uterine malignancy (intra-abdominal, retroperitoneal tumors), with omentectomy, if performed, with pelvic lymphadenectomy and limited para-aortic lymphadenectomy

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Resection or tumor debulking of intra-abdominal or retroperitoneal tumors is a surgical procedure performed on patients with recurrent malignancies originating from the ovaries, fallopian tubes, primary peritoneum, or uterus. The primary goal of this procedure is to surgically remove as much of the tumor as possible, which is particularly important in cases where complete removal of the tumor is not feasible. This approach, known as tumor debulking, aims to reduce the tumor burden, potentially improving the effectiveness of subsequent treatments such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy. The procedure is typically conducted through an abdominal incision, allowing the surgeon to gain direct access to the tumor site, which may involve the uterus, the uterine adnexa (including the ovaries and fallopian tubes), or the peritoneal cavity. During the debulking process, the surgeon may also perform an omentectomy, which involves the removal of the omentum—a fold of peritoneum that extends from the stomach to other abdominal organs. This structure can harbor cancerous cells, making its removal an important part of the procedure. Additionally, pelvic lymphadenectomy is performed, which entails the excision of lymph nodes located within the pelvis, as well as a limited para-aortic lymphadenectomy, where lymph nodes surrounding the lower aorta are also removed. These steps are crucial for staging the cancer and assessing the extent of disease spread, thereby informing further treatment options. Overall, this procedure is a critical component in the management of recurrent gynecological malignancies, aiming to alleviate symptoms and enhance the patient's overall treatment plan.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure is indicated for patients with recurrent malignancies, specifically those involving the following conditions:

  • Recurrent Ovarian Malignancy - This refers to the return of cancer that originated in the ovaries after previous treatment.
  • Recurrent Tubal Malignancy - This involves the recurrence of cancer in the fallopian tubes, which may have been previously treated.
  • Primary Peritoneal Malignancy - This indicates cancer that arises in the peritoneum, the lining of the abdominal cavity, and has recurred after treatment.
  • Recurrent Uterine Malignancy - This pertains to the return of cancer that originated in the uterus following prior interventions.

2. Procedure

The procedure consists of several critical steps aimed at effectively debulking the tumor and addressing associated structures:

  • Step 1: Abdominal Incision - The surgeon begins by making an abdominal incision to gain access to the intra-abdominal or retroperitoneal tumor site. This incision allows for direct visualization and manipulation of the affected organs.
  • Step 2: Tumor Debulking - Once access is achieved, the surgeon carefully identifies the tumor and proceeds with the debulking process. This involves the surgical removal of as much tumor tissue as possible, which may include portions of the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, or peritoneum, depending on the tumor's location and extent.
  • Step 3: Omentectomy (if performed) - If indicated, the surgeon may perform an omentectomy, which involves the removal of the omentum. This step is crucial as the omentum can harbor cancerous cells, and its removal may help reduce the risk of recurrence.
  • Step 4: Pelvic Lymphadenectomy - The procedure includes the excision of pelvic lymph nodes to assess for any cancer spread. This step is vital for staging the cancer and determining the appropriate follow-up treatment.
  • Step 5: Limited Para-Aortic Lymphadenectomy - In addition to pelvic lymphadenectomy, a limited para-aortic lymphadenectomy is performed, which involves the removal of lymph nodes located around the lower aorta. This further aids in evaluating the extent of disease dissemination.

3. Post-Procedure

After the procedure, patients typically require monitoring for any complications related to surgery, such as infection or bleeding. Recovery may involve a hospital stay, during which healthcare providers will assess the patient's condition and manage pain. Patients may also need follow-up treatments, including chemotherapy or immunotherapy, to address any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence. The healthcare team will provide specific post-operative care instructions, including activity restrictions and signs of complications to watch for during the recovery period.

Short Descr RESC RECR OVR TBL PP UTR MAL
Medium Descr RESCJ RECR OVR TBL PP UTR MAL OMNTC PEL LMPHADEC
Long Descr Resection (tumor debulking) of recurrent ovarian, tubal, primary peritoneal, uterine malignancy (intra-abdominal, retroperitoneal tumors), with omentectomy, if performed, with pelvic lymphadenectomy and limited para-aortic lymphadenectomy
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 132 - Other OR therapeutic procedures, female organs

This is a primary code that can be used with these additional add-on codes.

96547 Add On Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N Intraoperative hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) procedure, including separate incision(s) and closure, when performed; first 60 minutes (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
96548 Add On Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N Intraoperative hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) procedure, including separate incision(s) and closure, when performed; each additional 30 minutes (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
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.
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).
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
Date
Action
Notes
2025-01-01 Changed Short, Medium, and Long Descriptions changed.
2007-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 2007.
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