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Official Description

Sphincteroplasty, anal, for incontinence, adult; levator muscle imbrication (Park posterior anal repair)

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 46761 refers to a surgical procedure known as sphincteroplasty, specifically designed for adults experiencing anal incontinence. This procedure utilizes a technique called levator muscle imbrication, also known as Park posterior anal repair. Anal incontinence can arise from various causes, including traumatic injuries to the anal or perineal regions, complications following hemorrhoidectomy, or surgical interventions for rectal prolapse or tumors. The goal of this procedure is to restore the function of the anal sphincter, which is crucial for maintaining continence. By employing the levator muscle imbrication technique, the surgeon aims to reinforce the anal canal and improve the anorectal angle, thereby enhancing the patient's ability to control bowel movements. This procedure is particularly relevant for adults who have not responded to conservative treatments for incontinence and require surgical intervention to regain their quality of life.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure represented by CPT® Code 46761 is indicated for adults suffering from anal incontinence. The specific conditions or circumstances that may necessitate this surgical intervention include:

  • Traumatic Injury - Damage to the anus or perineum that compromises the function of the anal sphincter.
  • Hemorrhoidectomy Complications - Issues arising from surgical removal of hemorrhoids that may lead to incontinence.
  • Low Transanal Rectal Resection - Surgical removal of rectal tissue due to tumor or disease, which may affect anal control.
  • Surgical Repair of Rectal Prolapse - Procedures aimed at correcting rectal prolapse that can result in anal sphincter dysfunction.

2. Procedure

The surgical steps involved in the sphincteroplasty using levator muscle imbrication (CPT® Code 46761) are as follows:

  • Step 1: Incision - An inverted “V” incision is made posterior to the anal canal, extending down to the levator muscle plate. This incision allows access to the underlying structures necessary for the repair.
  • Step 2: Dissection - The dissection continues into the intersphincteric plane, which is the space between the internal and external anal sphincters. This careful dissection is crucial to avoid damaging the surrounding tissues.
  • Step 3: Plication of Muscles - The iliococcygeus, puborectalis, and pubococcygeus muscles are plicated, or folded, posterior to the rectum. This step is essential for reinforcing the pelvic floor and improving support for the anal canal.
  • Step 4: Sphincter Plication - At this stage, the internal and/or external sphincter(s) may also be plicated to enhance their function. This plication helps to lengthen the anal canal and restore the anorectal angle.
  • Step 5: Closure - Finally, the incision is closed in an inverted “Y” shape, ensuring that the surgical site is properly sealed and promoting optimal healing.

3. Post-Procedure

After the sphincteroplasty procedure, patients can expect a recovery period that may involve monitoring for complications such as infection or bleeding. Post-operative care typically includes pain management and instructions for activity restrictions to promote healing. Patients may also be advised on dietary modifications to prevent constipation and facilitate bowel movements. Follow-up appointments are essential to assess the success of the procedure and to address any ongoing issues related to anal incontinence.

Short Descr REPAIR OF ANAL SPHINCTER
Medium Descr SPHNCTROP ANAL LEVATOR MUSC IMBRCJ
Long Descr Sphincteroplasty, anal, for incontinence, adult; levator muscle imbrication (Park posterior anal repair)
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) 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 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).
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).
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).
99 Multiple modifiers: under certain circumstances 2 or more modifiers may be necessary to completely delineate a service. in such situations modifier 99 should be added to the basic procedure, and other applicable modifiers may be listed as part of the description of the service.
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
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
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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