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CPT® Code 52270 refers to the procedure known as cystourethroscopy with internal urethrotomy specifically for females. This procedure is primarily indicated for the treatment of internal urethral stricture, a condition where the urethra becomes narrowed, leading to difficulties in urination. The process begins with cystourethroscopy, which allows the physician to visualize the interior of the bladder and urethra, facilitating the identification of the stricture location. During the procedure, the urethral orifice is first cleansed with an antiseptic solution to minimize the risk of infection. A cystoscope, which can be either rigid or flexible, is then introduced through the urethra into the bladder. This instrument enables the physician to inspect the bladder and examine the ureteral orifices. Once the bladder is thoroughly inspected, the cystoscope is carefully withdrawn to locate the area of stricture. At this point, a cold knife incision is made at the 12 o'clock position, or multiple radial incisions may be performed at the stricture site. If additional areas of stricture are detected, the procedure is repeated until all narrowed sections of the urethra are adequately incised. Following the incisions, the urethra is re-examined using the cystoscope to ensure that the procedure has been effective. Finally, a Foley catheter is placed through the urethra into the bladder to help maintain the diameter of the treated areas, promoting healing and preventing re-narrowing.
© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The procedure described by CPT® Code 52270 is indicated for the treatment of internal urethral stricture in females. This condition can lead to various urinary symptoms, including difficulty urinating, urinary retention, and recurrent urinary tract infections. The internal urethrotomy aims to alleviate these symptoms by widening the narrowed urethra, thereby restoring normal urinary function.
The procedure begins with the cleansing of the urethral orifice using an antiseptic solution to reduce the risk of infection. Following this, a rigid or flexible cystoscope is introduced through the urethra and advanced into the bladder. This allows the physician to visualize the bladder's interior and identify the ureteral orifices. Once the bladder is inspected, the cystoscope is slowly withdrawn to locate the area of stricture. At this point, a cold knife incision is made at the 12 o'clock position of the stricture, or multiple radial incisions may be performed at the site of the narrowing. If the physician identifies multiple areas of stricture, the incision procedure is repeated for each affected segment until all narrowed portions of the urethra have been adequately incised. After completing the incisions, the urethra is re-examined using the cystoscope to ensure that the stricture has been effectively treated. Finally, the cystoscope is removed, and a Foley catheter is placed through the urethra into the bladder. This catheter serves to maintain the diameter of the treated areas, facilitating healing and preventing re-narrowing of the urethra.
After the completion of the internal urethrotomy, patients are typically monitored for any immediate complications. The placement of the Foley catheter is crucial as it helps to keep the urethra open during the healing process. Patients may experience some discomfort, and it is important to provide instructions regarding catheter care and signs of potential complications, such as infection or excessive bleeding. Follow-up appointments are essential to assess the healing process and determine if further intervention is necessary. The expected recovery time may vary, but patients are generally advised to avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting during the initial recovery phase.
| Short Descr | CYSTOSCOPY & REVISE URETHRA | Medium Descr | CYSTOURETHROSCOPY W/INTERNAL URETHROTOMY FEMALE | Long Descr | Cystourethroscopy, with internal urethrotomy; female | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | 000 - Endoscopic or Minor Procedure | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 0 - Physician Service Code | Multiple Procedures (51) | 3 - Special payment adjustment rules for multiple endoscopic 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) | 1 - Statutory payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure... | Co-Surgeons (62) | 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Team Surgery (66) | 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | Endoscopic Base Code | 52000 Cystourethroscopy (separate procedure) | Diagnostic Imaging Family | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply | APC Status Indicator | Hospital Part B services paid through a comprehensive APC | ASC Payment Indicator | Surgical procedure on ASC list in CY 2007; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight. | Type of Service (TOS) | 2 - Surgery | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | P8E - Endoscopy - cystoscopy | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 109 - Procedures on the urethra |
| 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). | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | XU | Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service |
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| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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