CPT® Code 49565

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A recurrent incisional or ventral hernia repair involves the surgical correction of a hernia that has reappeared at the site of a previous abdominal incision. An incisional hernia, also known as a ventral hernia, occurs when the abdominal wall does not heal properly after surgery, leading to a separation of tissues at the incision site. This separation allows abdominal organs to protrude through the weakened area, forming a bulge. The CPT® Code 49565 specifically refers to the repair of a reducible hernia, meaning that the contents of the hernia sac can be manually pushed back into their normal position within the abdominal cavity. The complexity of repairing a recurrent hernia can vary significantly based on the size of the defect and the degree of scarring or tissue damage from the initial surgical repair. In cases of smaller hernias, the procedure may involve simply resuturing the tissue, while larger defects may require more intricate techniques, such as the shoelace method or the use of mesh implants for reinforcement. Proper identification and coding of this procedure are essential for accurate billing and reimbursement in the healthcare setting.