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Official Description

Repair umbilical hernia, age 5 years or older; incarcerated or strangulated

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 49587 involves the surgical repair of an umbilical hernia in patients aged 5 years or older, specifically when the hernia is classified as incarcerated or strangulated. An umbilical hernia occurs when tissue, such as omentum or bowel, protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall at the umbilicus, which is commonly referred to as the belly button. Incarcerated hernias are characterized by the inability to reduce the hernia contents back to their normal anatomical position, while strangulated hernias indicate that the blood supply to the herniated tissue is compromised, posing a risk of tissue necrosis. The surgical intervention aims to correct these conditions by removing the herniated tissue, repairing the defect in the abdominal wall, and ensuring that the surrounding structures are restored to their proper function. This procedure is critical for preventing complications associated with incarcerated or strangulated hernias, which can lead to severe health issues if not addressed promptly.

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