CPT® Code 49613

Repair of anterior abdominal hernia(s) (ie, epigastric, incisional, ventral, umbilical, spigelian), any approach (ie, open, laparoscopic, robotic), recurrent, including implantation of mesh or other prosthesis when performed, total length of defect(s); less than 3 cm, reducible

The CPT® Code 49613 refers to the surgical procedure for the repair of recurrent anterior abdominal hernias, which can include types such as epigastric, incisional, ventral, umbilical, and spigelian hernias. This procedure can be performed using various approaches, including open surgery, laparoscopic techniques, or robotic assistance. A recurrent hernia is characterized by the reappearance of a hernia at or near the site of a previous repair, where tissue or parts of an organ, such as the intestines, protrude through a defect in the abdominal wall. The specific code 49613 is designated for the repair of a reducible hernia, which is defined as a hernia that can be pushed back into its normal position within the abdomen. The defect in the abdominal wall is less than 3 cm in length, indicating a smaller hernia that may be amenable to straightforward surgical techniques. The procedure typically involves making an incision over the hernia defect for open repairs or utilizing a laparoscope for minimally invasive approaches. The surgical process includes excising any existing scar tissue, dissecting the hernia sac, and repairing the abdominal wall, often with the placement of mesh or other prosthetic materials to reinforce the area and reduce the risk of recurrence. This code does not apply to strangulated or incarcerated hernias, which require a different coding designation.