CPT® Code 49580

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An umbilical hernia in a child younger than age five years is a condition where tissue, such as omentum or bowel, protrudes through the abdominal wall at the site of the umbilicus. This condition is typically reducible, meaning that the contents of the hernia sac can be pushed back into their normal anatomical position. The procedure coded as CPT® 49580 involves the surgical repair of this type of hernia. During the repair, a curved incision is made below the umbilicus to access the hernia sac. The surgeon carefully dissects the skin and subcutaneous fat away from the underlying muscle layer to expose the hernia sac. Once the sac is accessed, the distal end is freed from the skin, and the contents may be inspected to ensure they are healthy. If the bowel appears normal, the sac is inverted back into the abdominal cavity and excised at its base. The abdominal wall defect is then closed, and the skin is secured over the muscle layer. A pressure dressing may be applied post-operatively to support the area. It is important to note that if the hernia is found to be strangulated or incarcerated, which means the contents cannot be returned to their normal position or have compromised blood flow, a different code, CPT® 49582, should be used for billing purposes.