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Official Description

Cystourethroscopy; with treatment of intra-renal stricture (eg, balloon dilation, laser, electrocautery, and incision)

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 52343 involves cystourethroscopy, which is a minimally invasive surgical technique used to visualize and treat conditions affecting the urethra and bladder. Specifically, this code pertains to the treatment of intra-renal strictures, which are narrowings that occur within the renal pelvis or ureter. During the procedure, a cystourethroscope—a specialized instrument equipped with a camera and light—is inserted through the urethra and advanced into the bladder and ureter. This allows the physician to directly observe the stricture. The treatment options for addressing the stricture include balloon dilation, laser therapy, electrocautery, and incision techniques. These methods aim to widen the narrowed area, restore normal urine flow, and alleviate any associated symptoms. The procedure is performed under ureteroscopic control, ensuring precision in navigating the urinary tract and effectively treating the stricture. Following the intervention, a temporary indwelling stent may be placed to maintain patency at the surgical site, facilitating recovery and preventing complications.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure described by CPT® Code 52343 is indicated for the treatment of intra-renal strictures, which may arise due to various underlying conditions. The following are the specific indications for performing this procedure:

  • Intra-Renal Stricture Narrowing of the ureter or renal pelvis that impedes normal urine flow.
  • Ureteral Stricture A condition where the ureter is narrowed, which may necessitate intervention to restore proper urinary function.
  • Ureteropelvic Junction (UPJ) Stricture A specific type of stricture occurring at the junction where the ureter meets the renal pelvis, requiring treatment to alleviate obstruction.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 52343 involves several critical steps to effectively treat the intra-renal stricture:

  • Step 1: Insertion of Cystourethroscope The physician begins by inserting a cystourethroscope into the urethra, advancing it through the bladder and into the ureter. This allows for direct visualization of the urinary tract and the stricture site.
  • Step 2: Guidewire Placement Under ureteroscopic control, a guidewire is passed through the area of the stricture. This guidewire serves as a pathway for subsequent instruments and ensures accurate navigation to the stricture location.
  • Step 3: Ureteroscope Advancement A semi-rigid or flexible ureteroscope is then advanced alongside the guidewire to reach the stricture. This instrument provides enhanced visualization and access to the affected area.
  • Step 4: Balloon Dilation A balloon dilator may be advanced to the stricture site and inflated. This inflation dilates the stricture, widening the narrowed area to facilitate urine flow.
  • Step 5: Incision of the Stricture Following dilation, the physician may perform an incision of the stricture using an endoincision technique. This is accomplished with a laser fiber, electrocautery, or other endoscopic surgical tools, making incisions through the full thickness of the ureter or UPJ until the surrounding fat is encountered.
  • Step 6: Final Dilation Dilation and/or incisions are made along the length of the stricture until the ureteroscope can be passed through the area of the stricture, ensuring that the obstruction is adequately addressed.
  • Step 7: Placement of Indwelling Stent After the treatment, a temporary indwelling stent is placed across the surgical site to maintain patency and support healing. The surgical instruments are then removed, completing the procedure.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care following the treatment of an intra-renal stricture with CPT® Code 52343 typically involves monitoring for any complications and ensuring the proper function of the indwelling stent. Patients may be advised to maintain hydration and report any signs of infection or complications, such as fever, increased pain, or changes in urinary output. Follow-up appointments are essential to assess the effectiveness of the procedure and to determine if further interventions are necessary. The stent is usually removed after a specified period, depending on the individual case and physician recommendations.

Short Descr CYSTO W/RENAL STRICTURE TX
Medium Descr CYSTO W/TX INTRA-RENAL STRICTURE
Long Descr Cystourethroscopy; with treatment of intra-renal stricture (eg, balloon dilation, laser, electrocautery, and incision)
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) 1 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures applies.
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
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.
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
Date
Action
Notes
2018-01-01 Changed Added guideline per 2018 CPT Errata and Technical Corrections document.
2001-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 2001.
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