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Code deleted. For umbilical hernia repair, younger than age 5 years, see 49591-49618.

Official Description

Repair umbilical hernia, younger than age 5 years; reducible

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

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.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure coded as CPT® 49580 is indicated for the surgical repair of an umbilical hernia in children younger than age five years. The specific indications for this procedure include:

  • Reducible Umbilical Hernia The hernia is characterized by the ability to push the contents back into the abdominal cavity, indicating that the hernia is not incarcerated or strangulated.

2. Procedure

The surgical procedure for repairing a reducible umbilical hernia involves several key steps, which are detailed as follows:

  • Step 1: Incision A curved incision is made in the skin below the umbilicus to access the hernia sac. This incision allows the surgeon to reach the underlying tissues and the hernia itself.
  • Step 2: Dissection The surgeon carefully raises the skin and dissects the subcutaneous fat away from the aponeurosis of the external oblique muscle. This dissection is performed to expose the hernia sac and the surrounding structures.
  • Step 3: Accessing the Hernia Sac Once the hernia sac is exposed, the distal end of the sac is freed from the skin. This step is crucial for allowing the surgeon to inspect the contents of the sac.
  • Step 4: Inspection of Contents The hernia sac may be opened to inspect the contents, which typically include omentum or bowel. If the bowel appears healthy, it can be safely handled during the repair.
  • Step 5: Inversion and Excision If the contents are healthy, the sac is inverted back into the abdominal cavity. The base of the sac is then snipped off to remove it completely from the body.
  • Step 6: Closure of the Hernia Defect The defect in the abdominal wall is closed to restore the integrity of the abdominal cavity. This closure is typically performed using sutures to ensure proper healing.
  • Step 7: Skin Closure The skin is tacked down over the aponeurosis and closed, completing the surgical repair. This step ensures that the incision site is properly sealed.
  • Step 8: Dressing Application A pressure dressing may be applied to the surgical site to support the area and promote healing post-operatively.

3. Post-Procedure

After the procedure, the patient may require monitoring for any signs of complications, such as infection or recurrence of the hernia. The expected recovery involves managing pain and ensuring that the surgical site remains clean and dry. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to assess healing and address any concerns. It is important to provide appropriate post-operative care instructions to the caregivers, including activity restrictions and signs to watch for that may indicate complications.

Short Descr RPR UMBIL HERN REDUC < 5 YR
Medium Descr RPR UMBILICAL HERNIA < 5 YRS REDUCIBLE
Long Descr Repair umbilical hernia, younger than age 5 years; reducible
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
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P1G - Major procedure - Other
MUE Not applicable/unspecified.
CCS Clinical Classification 86 - Other hernia repair
Date
Action
Notes
2022-12-31 Deleted Code deleted. For umbilical hernia repair, younger than age 5 years, see 49591-49618.
2011-01-01 Changed Short description changed.
2007-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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