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Official Description

Cystourethroscopy; with incision or resection of orifice of bladder diverticulum, single or multiple

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

A bladder diverticulum refers to an abnormal pouch that forms in the wall of the bladder, which can either be present at birth (congenital) or develop later in life (acquired). These diverticula can lead to various complications, including ureteral obstruction, vesicoureteral reflux, recurrent urinary tract infections, and the formation of stones within the bladder. To address these issues, a cystourethroscopy is performed, which is a minimally invasive procedure that allows healthcare professionals to visualize the interior of the bladder, the ureteral openings, and the urethra. 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 carefully introduced through the urethra and into the bladder. To enhance visibility, sterile saline may be instilled into the bladder, allowing for a clearer view of the bladder wall and any diverticula present. The cystourethroscopy enables the physician to inspect the bladder thoroughly, identify the diverticulum, and assess its condition. If treatment is necessary, the procedure may involve either incising the diverticulum or resecting it, depending on the specific circumstances and the number of diverticula present. This procedure is crucial for alleviating symptoms and preventing further complications associated with bladder diverticula.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure described by CPT® Code 52305 is indicated for the following conditions:

  • Bladder diverticulum - A pouch in the bladder wall that may lead to complications such as obstruction or infection.
  • Ureteral obstruction - A blockage that prevents urine from flowing from the kidney to the bladder, which may be caused by the presence of diverticula.
  • Vesicoureteral reflux - A condition where urine flows backward from the bladder into the ureters, potentially leading to urinary tract infections.
  • Recurrent urinary tract infections - Frequent infections that may be associated with the presence of diverticula in the bladder.
  • Stone formation in the bladder - The development of stones that can occur due to stagnant urine in diverticula.

2. Procedure

The procedure involves several key steps to ensure effective treatment of bladder diverticula:

  • Step 1: Preparation - The patient is positioned appropriately, and the urethral orifice is cleansed with an antiseptic solution to reduce the risk of infection during the procedure.
  • Step 2: Introduction of the cystoscope - A rigid or flexible cystoscope is carefully introduced through the urethra and advanced into the bladder. This instrument allows for direct visualization of the bladder's interior.
  • Step 3: Filling the bladder - Sterile saline may be instilled into the bladder to enhance visibility, allowing the physician to better inspect the bladder wall and identify any diverticula present.
  • Step 4: Inspection and identification - The bladder is thoroughly inspected, and the diverticulum is identified and examined to assess its size and condition.
  • Step 5: Incision or resection - If the diverticulum requires treatment, a retractable blade is introduced through the cystoscope for incision. The blade is exposed, and the diverticulum is incised. If resection is necessary, the cystoscope is removed, and a resectoscope is advanced to the diverticulum site for resection.
  • Step 6: Tissue removal - Tissue from the diverticulum is removed using irrigation and a cystoscopic evacuation device to ensure complete excision.
  • Step 7: Control of bleeding - Any bleeding that occurs during the procedure is controlled as needed, utilizing techniques such as electrocoagulation or laser coagulation.
  • Step 8: Treatment of multiple diverticula - If multiple diverticula are present, the procedure is repeated for each diverticulum until all have been treated effectively.

3. Post-Procedure

After the procedure, patients may require monitoring for any immediate complications, such as bleeding or infection. Post-procedure care typically includes instructions for hydration and monitoring for any signs of urinary tract infection or other complications. Patients may also be advised on activity restrictions and follow-up appointments to assess recovery and ensure that the diverticula have been adequately treated. The expected recovery time can vary based on the extent of the procedure and the patient's overall health.

Short Descr CYSTOSCOPY AND TREATMENT
Medium Descr CYSTO INC/RESCJ ORIFICE BLDR DIVERTICULUM 1/MLT
Long Descr Cystourethroscopy; with incision or resection of orifice of bladder diverticulum, single or multiple
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 101 - Transurethral excision, drainage, or removal urinary obstruction
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).
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.
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.)
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
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