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Official Description

Cutaneous vesicostomy

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Cutaneous vesicostomy, also known as cutaneous cystostomy, is a surgical procedure that involves creating an opening (stoma) in the abdominal wall to facilitate the drainage of urine directly from the bladder. This procedure is typically indicated for patients who may have urinary retention or other conditions that prevent normal urination. During the operation, an incision is made in the abdomen to access the bladder, and a triangular segment of the rectus fascia is excised to allow for proper placement of the stoma. The rectus muscle is then divided, providing access to the space of Retzius, where the dome of the bladder is exposed. A careful incision is made in the bladder, and the bladder wall is sutured to the rectus fascia to secure it in place. Finally, the bladder epithelium is sutured to the skin, creating a stoma through which urine can drain. An ostomy bag is then placed over the stoma to collect the urine, ensuring that the patient can manage their urinary output effectively. This procedure is crucial for patients who require an alternative method of urine drainage due to various medical conditions.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

Cutaneous vesicostomy is performed for several specific indications, primarily related to urinary drainage issues. The following conditions may warrant this procedure:

  • Urinary Retention - A condition where the patient is unable to empty the bladder completely, leading to potential complications.
  • Obstructive Uropathy - Situations where there is a blockage in the urinary tract that prevents normal urine flow.
  • Neurological Disorders - Conditions affecting the nervous system that impair bladder function, such as spina bifida or spinal cord injuries.
  • Congenital Anomalies - Birth defects that affect the urinary system, necessitating alternative drainage methods.

2. Procedure

The cutaneous vesicostomy procedure involves several critical steps to ensure proper creation of the stoma and effective urine drainage. The following outlines the procedural steps:

  • Step 1: Incision of the Abdomen - The procedure begins with a surgical incision in the abdominal wall, allowing access to the underlying structures. This incision is carefully made to minimize damage to surrounding tissues.
  • Step 2: Exposure of Rectus Fascia - Once the abdomen is incised, the rectus fascia is exposed. This layer of connective tissue is crucial for the subsequent steps of the procedure.
  • Step 3: Excision of Fascia Segment - A triangular segment of the rectus fascia is excised to create space for the stoma. This excision is performed with precision to ensure adequate access to the bladder.
  • Step 4: Division of Rectus Muscle - The rectus muscle is then divided, which allows the surgeon to enter the space of Retzius, an area that provides access to the bladder.
  • Step 5: Exposure of Bladder Dome - The dome of the bladder is carefully exposed, preparing it for the next step of the procedure.
  • Step 6: Incision of the Bladder - An incision is made in the bladder to facilitate the creation of the stoma. This step is critical for ensuring proper drainage.
  • Step 7: Suturing of Bladder Wall - The bladder wall is sutured to the rectus fascia, securing it in place and ensuring that the stoma is stable.
  • Step 8: Suturing of Bladder Epithelium - The bladder epithelium is then sutured to the skin, completing the formation of the stoma.
  • Step 9: Placement of Ostomy Bag - Finally, an ostomy bag is placed over the stoma to collect urine, allowing for effective management of urinary output.

3. Post-Procedure

After the cutaneous vesicostomy procedure, patients will require careful monitoring and post-operative care. It is essential to observe the stoma for any signs of complications, such as infection or improper drainage. Patients may need education on how to care for the stoma and manage the ostomy bag effectively. Follow-up appointments will be necessary to assess the healing process and ensure that the stoma is functioning as intended. Additionally, patients should be informed about potential changes in urinary patterns and any signs that may indicate complications requiring medical attention.

Short Descr CONSTRUCT BLADDER OPENING
Medium Descr CUTANEOUS VESICOSTOMY
Long Descr Cutaneous vesicostomy
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).
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.)
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).
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
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Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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