CPT® Code 50940

The procedure described by CPT® Code 50940 refers to the deligation of the ureter, which is a surgical intervention aimed at addressing an unintended complication that may arise during abdominal or retroperitoneal surgeries. Deligation involves the removal of a ligature that has inadvertently tied off the ureter, leading to potential obstruction of urine flow. This situation can occur when surrounding blood vessels are ligated, and the ureter becomes caught in the ligature, resulting in either complete or partial obstruction. The procedure typically requires the physician to access the ureter through either a retroperitoneal or transperitoneal approach, allowing for direct visualization and evaluation of the ureter's health. During this evaluation, the physician assesses whether the blood supply to the ureter remains intact, which is crucial for the ureter's viability. If the ureter is determined to be healthy, the ligature is carefully removed, thereby relieving the obstruction and restoring normal urinary function.