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Official Description

Anoplasty, plastic operation for stricture; adult

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Anoplasty, as defined by CPT® Code 46700, refers to a surgical procedure aimed at correcting anal strictures in adults. Anal strictures can either be acquired or congenital in nature. Acquired anal strictures typically arise from the formation of scar tissue that narrows the anal canal, leading to difficulties in stool passage. This scarring may result from various factors, including trauma from previous surgical interventions, tears, or radiation therapy administered for cancers located in the perianal area. On the other hand, congenital anal strictures, also known as anal stenosis, are present at birth and involve a narrowing of the anal canal from the onset of life. During the anoplasty procedure, the anal mucosa is carefully incised to expose the underlying scar tissue. The surgeon then incises the scar tissue within the anal canal or anal sphincter to alleviate the stricture and effectively widen the anal canal. Following the incision, the overlying tissues are meticulously repaired in layers to ensure proper healing and restoration of function. It is important to note that CPT® Code 46700 is specifically designated for the repair of anal strictures in adults, while CPT® Code 46705 is used for similar procedures performed on infants.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

Analoplasty is indicated for patients experiencing anal strictures, which may be due to various underlying conditions. The following are the specific indications for performing this procedure:

  • Acquired Anal Stricture - This condition results from scar tissue formation that constricts the anal canal, often leading to difficulties in passing stool. Causes may include trauma from surgical procedures, radiation therapy for perianal cancers, or other forms of injury.
  • Congenital Anal Stricture (Anal Stenosis) - This condition is present at birth and involves a narrowing of the anal canal, which can lead to significant functional issues if not addressed.

2. Procedure

The anoplasty procedure involves several critical steps to effectively address anal strictures. The following outlines the procedural steps involved:

  • Step 1: Incision of the Anal Mucosa - The procedure begins with the careful incision of the anal mucosa. This step is crucial as it allows access to the underlying scar tissue that is causing the stricture.
  • Step 2: Exposure of Scar Tissue - Once the anal mucosa is incised, the surgeon exposes the scar tissue that is constricting the anal canal. This exposure is essential for the subsequent steps of the procedure.
  • Step 3: Incision of Scar Tissue - The surgeon then proceeds to incise the scar tissue within the anal canal or anal sphincter. This incision is aimed at releasing the stricture and widening the anal canal, thereby alleviating the obstruction.
  • Step 4: Layered Repair of Overlying Tissues - After the stricture has been addressed, the final step involves the meticulous repair of the overlying tissues. This is done in layers to ensure proper healing and restoration of the anal canal's function.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care following anoplasty is essential for optimal recovery. Patients may experience some discomfort and should be monitored for any signs of complications. It is important to follow specific post-operative instructions provided by the healthcare provider, which may include recommendations for pain management, dietary modifications to ease bowel movements, and follow-up appointments to assess healing. Patients should be advised to report any unusual symptoms, such as excessive bleeding or signs of infection, to their healthcare provider promptly.

Short Descr REPAIR OF ANAL STRICTURE
Medium Descr ANOPLASTY PLASTIC OPERATION STRICTURE ADULT
Long Descr Anoplasty, plastic operation for stricture; adult
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) 1 - Statutory payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies 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 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) P1G - Major procedure - Other
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 96 - Other OR lower GI therapeutic procedures
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.
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).
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
SG Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
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