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Official Description

Laparoscopic treatment of ectopic pregnancy; with salpingectomy and/or oophorectomy

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 59151 refers to the laparoscopic treatment of ectopic pregnancy, specifically involving the surgical removal of the affected fallopian tube and/or ovary. An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, most commonly in a fallopian tube, which can lead to serious complications if not treated promptly. The procedure is performed using minimally invasive techniques, which involve making three small incisions in the abdomen to insert ports for surgical instruments. This approach allows for the establishment of pneumoperitoneum, a process where gas is introduced into the abdominal cavity to create space for the laparoscope and other instruments. The laparoscope, a thin tube with a camera, is then introduced to visualize the ectopic pregnancy and confirm its location. In this procedure, the treatment involves excising the affected tube and/or ovary. For cases of ovarian ectopic pregnancy, the ovary is carefully dissected from surrounding tissues using various methods such as laser, electrocautery, clips, or scissors before being removed. In the case of tubal ectopic pregnancy, the fallopian tube is excised through a methodical process that includes coagulating and cutting the mesosalpinx, starting from the fimbriated end and moving towards the isthmus. The tubo-ovarian artery is also addressed to prevent excessive bleeding. The procedure concludes with the careful inspection of the abdominal cavity for any bleeding, followed by the removal of the laparoscope and the release of pneumoperitoneum. This minimally invasive approach aims to reduce recovery time and complications associated with traditional open surgery.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The laparoscopic treatment of ectopic pregnancy, as described by CPT® Code 59151, is indicated for the following conditions:

  • Ectopic Pregnancy - A condition where a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, typically in a fallopian tube or ovary, requiring surgical intervention to prevent complications.

2. Procedure

The procedure for laparoscopic treatment of ectopic pregnancy involves several critical steps to ensure the safe and effective removal of the ectopic tissue.

  • Step 1: Establishing Access - The surgeon begins by making three small incisions in the abdomen to facilitate the insertion of ports. These ports allow for the introduction of the laparoscope and other surgical instruments necessary for the procedure.
  • Step 2: Creating Pneumoperitoneum - Once the ports are in place, pneumoperitoneum is established by introducing carbon dioxide gas into the abdominal cavity. This process expands the abdomen, providing a clearer view and more working space for the surgeon.
  • Step 3: Visualizing the Ectopic Pregnancy - The laparoscope is introduced through one of the ports, allowing the surgeon to visualize the internal structures and confirm the presence and location of the ectopic pregnancy.
  • Step 4: Treatment of Ovarian Ectopic Pregnancy - If the ectopic pregnancy is located in the ovary, the surgeon dissects the ovary free from surrounding tissue using techniques such as laser, electrocautery, clips, or scissors. The affected ovary is then removed from the body.
  • Step 5: Treatment of Tubal Ectopic Pregnancy - For a tubal ectopic pregnancy, the surgeon removes the fallopian tube by progressively coagulating and cutting the mesosalpinx, starting at the fimbriated end and moving towards the isthmus. The tubo-ovarian artery is compressed and desiccated to minimize bleeding. The tube is then separated from the uterus using bipolar coagulation or ligation with scissors before being excised.
  • Step 6: Finalizing the Procedure - After the ectopic tissue is removed, the surgeon checks the abdominal cavity for any signs of bleeding. The abdomen is irrigated to clear any blood clots, and the laparoscope is removed. Finally, the pneumoperitoneum is released, and the incisions are closed as necessary.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care following the laparoscopic treatment of ectopic pregnancy typically involves monitoring the patient for any signs of complications, such as bleeding or infection. Patients may experience some discomfort and should be advised on pain management strategies. Recovery time is generally shorter compared to open surgery, allowing for a quicker return to normal activities. Follow-up appointments are essential to ensure proper healing and to monitor for any potential recurrence of ectopic pregnancy.

Short Descr TREAT ECTOPIC PREGNANCY
Medium Descr LAPS TX ECTOPIC PREG W/SALPING&/OOPHORECTOMY
Long Descr Laparoscopic treatment of ectopic pregnancy; with salpingectomy and/or oophorectomy
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) 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
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) P8I - Endoscopy - other
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 122 - Removal of ectopic pregnancy

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)
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.
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).
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)
Date
Action
Notes
1990-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 1990.
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