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Official Description

Cystectomy, complete, with continent diversion, any open technique, using any segment of small and/or large intestine to construct neobladder

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 51596 involves a complete cystectomy, which is the surgical removal of the bladder, performed in conjunction with the creation of a continent urinary diversion. This type of diversion allows the patient to void normally through the urethra, distinguishing it from other urinary diversion methods. In some cases, a stoma may be created that includes a valve mechanism, utilizing intussuscepted colon to prevent urine leakage. This allows the patient to manage urine elimination by periodically catheterizing the pouch. The surgical approach typically involves a midline incision in the abdomen, through which the bladder is accessed and removed. The procedure requires careful dissection and mobilization of the bladder and ureters, ensuring that the surrounding structures are preserved as much as possible. Following the removal of the bladder, a segment of either small or large intestine is selected to construct a neobladder, which serves as a new reservoir for urine. This segment is meticulously prepared and shaped into a pouch, allowing for the proper connection to the ureters and, in some cases, the urethra or a stoma. The entire process is complex and requires precise surgical techniques to ensure successful outcomes and minimize complications.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure is indicated for patients requiring bladder removal due to various conditions. These may include:

  • Bladder Cancer Patients diagnosed with malignant tumors of the bladder may require cystectomy as a treatment option.
  • Severe Bladder Dysfunction Conditions leading to significant impairment of bladder function, such as neurogenic bladder or interstitial cystitis, may necessitate this procedure.
  • Congenital Anomalies Individuals born with structural abnormalities of the bladder may benefit from cystectomy and subsequent diversion.
  • Bladder Trauma Severe injuries to the bladder that cannot be repaired may require complete removal.

2. Procedure

The procedure involves several critical steps to ensure the successful removal of the bladder and the construction of a neobladder:

  • Step 1: Incision and Exposure The abdomen is incised in the midline to provide access to the bladder. The small bowel is isolated and packed out of the surgical field to prevent contamination during the procedure.
  • Step 2: Ureteral Mobilization The ureters are exposed, mobilized, and divided distally near the ureterovesical junction. The ureteral stumps are then ligated to prevent any leakage.
  • Step 3: Bladder Dissection Blunt and sharp dissection techniques are employed to mobilize the bladder. The superior bladder pedicles are clamped and divided, and any remaining portions of the distal ureters are freed from surrounding structures.
  • Step 4: Complete Bladder Removal Dissection continues until the bladder is completely freed from all surrounding structures. The lateral vascular pedicles are ligated and divided, followed by the division of the urethra, leading to the complete removal of the bladder.
  • Step 5: Intestinal Segment Preparation A segment of small or large intestine, typically 30-35 cm in length, is selected and mobilized. This segment is isolated while maintaining its blood supply by keeping it attached to the mesenteric pedicle.
  • Step 6: Bowel Continuity Restoration The remaining distal and proximal portions of the intestine are anastomosed to restore bowel continuity after isolating the segment for the pouch.
  • Step 7: Pouch Formation The isolated intestinal segment is fashioned into a pouch, typically arranged in a U or W configuration. It is incised longitudinally along the mesenteric border to detubularize it, allowing for the creation of a functional pouch.
  • Step 8: Ureteral Anastomosis A tunnel is created from the pouch to the ureters, which are then pulled through the tunnel. The ends of the ureters are spatulated and anastomosed to the pouch approximately 3 cm apart.
  • Step 9: Connection to Urethra or Stoma Creation The distal aspect of the pouch may be anastomosed to the bladder neck in females or the proximal urethra in males. Alternatively, a stoma may be created through a separate incision, with the pouch configured accordingly.
  • Step 10: Valve Creation (if applicable) If a stoma is created, the pouch is configured and detubularized, with a portion of intestine used to form a valve. This segment is scarified and telescoped into the pouch, secured with sutures to create the valve.
  • Step 11: Catheter Placement and Closure A catheter is placed through the valve into the stoma, and drains are placed as needed. Finally, the surgical incisions are closed in layers to promote healing.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care involves monitoring the patient for any complications and ensuring proper recovery. Patients may require pain management and will be observed for signs of infection or issues with the urinary diversion. Instructions regarding catheterization, stoma care, and any dietary modifications will be provided. Follow-up appointments are essential to assess the function of the neobladder and the overall recovery process. Patients may also need education on managing their new urinary system and any lifestyle adjustments that may be necessary.

Short Descr REMOVE BLADDER/CREATE POUCH
Medium Descr CSTC COMPL W/CONTINENT DVRJ OPN NEOBLDR
Long Descr Cystectomy, complete, with continent diversion, any open technique, using any segment of small and/or large intestine to construct neobladder
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 Inpatient Procedures, not paid under OPPS
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P1G - Major procedure - Other
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 112 - Other OR therapeutic procedures of urinary tract
22 Increased procedural services: when the work required to provide a service is substantially greater than typically required, it may be identified by adding modifier 22 to the usual procedure code. documentation must support the substantial additional work and the reason for the additional work (ie, increased intensity, time, technical difficulty of procedure, severity of patient's condition, physical and mental effort required). note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
51 Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
52 Reduced services: under certain circumstances a service or procedure is partially reduced or eliminated at the discretion of the physician or other qualified health care professional. under these circumstances the service provided can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 52, signifying that the service is reduced. this provides a means of reporting reduced services without disturbing the identification of the basic service. note: for hospital outpatient reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well-being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
58 Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was: (a) planned or anticipated (staged); (b) more extensive than the original procedure; or (c) for therapy following a surgical procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 58 to the staged or related procedure. note: for treatment of a problem that requires a return to the operating/procedure room (eg, unanticipated clinical condition), see modifier 78.
59 Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25.
62 Two surgeons: when 2 surgeons work together as primary surgeons performing distinct part(s) of a procedure, each surgeon should report his/her distinct operative work by adding modifier 62 to the procedure code and any associated add-on code(s) for that procedure as long as both surgeons continue to work together as primary surgeons. each surgeon should report the co-surgery once using the same procedure code. if additional procedure(s) (including add-on procedure(s) are performed during the same surgical session, separate code(s) may also be reported with modifier 62 added. note: if a co-surgeon acts as an assistant in the performance of additional procedure(s), other than those reported with the modifier 62, during the same surgical session, those services may be reported using separate procedure code(s) with modifier 80 or modifier 82 added, as appropriate.
79 Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: the individual may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by using modifier 79. (for repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier 76.)
80 Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s).
82 Assistant surgeon (when qualified resident surgeon not available): the unavailability of a qualified resident surgeon is a prerequisite for use of modifier 82 appended to the usual procedure code number(s).
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
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2002-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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