CPT® Code 49652

Deleted

Laparoscopy, surgical, repair, ventral, umbilical, spigelian or epigastric hernia (includes mesh insertion, when performed); reducible

Laparoscopic repair of a ventral, umbilical, spigelian, or epigastric hernia involves a minimally invasive surgical technique aimed at correcting hernias located in specific areas of the abdominal wall. A ventral hernia occurs at the site of a previous surgical incision, where the abdominal wall has weakened over time. An umbilical hernia is characterized by the protrusion of abdominal contents through the abdominal wall at the navel (umbilicus). A spigelian hernia arises when abdominal contents push through the semilunar line, which is the lateral border of the rectus sheath, while an epigastric hernia involves the protrusion of tissue through the linea alba, a fibrous structure that runs down the midline of the abdomen. The procedure, coded as CPT® 49652, includes the insertion of mesh if deemed necessary to reinforce the abdominal wall after the hernia is repaired. The laparoscopic approach allows for smaller incisions, reduced recovery time, and less postoperative pain compared to traditional open surgery. The procedure begins with the establishment of pneumoperitoneum, followed by the introduction of a laparoscope and surgical instruments to visualize and repair the hernia defect effectively.