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Official Description

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

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Cystourethroscopy with ureteroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that involves the use of specialized instruments to visualize and treat strictures within the urinary tract. This procedure is specifically designed to address intra-renal strictures, which are narrowings that occur within the renal pelvis or the ureter. The process begins with the insertion of a cystoscope and ureteroscope through the urethra into the bladder and then into the ureter, allowing direct visualization of the urinary tract. The ureteroscope is equipped with a camera and light source, enabling the physician to see the stricture clearly. Treatment options during this procedure may include balloon dilation, where a balloon is inflated at the site of the stricture to widen the narrowed area; laser therapy, which uses focused light energy to incise the stricture; electrocautery, which employs electrical current to cut tissue; and surgical incision to physically open the narrowed area. This comprehensive approach allows for effective management of strictures, improving urinary flow and alleviating symptoms associated with obstruction.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure of cystourethroscopy with ureteroscopy is indicated for the treatment of various types of strictures within the urinary tract. The specific indications include:

  • Intra-renal stricture - A narrowing that occurs within the renal pelvis or ureter, which can obstruct urine flow and lead to complications.
  • Ureteral stricture - A condition where the ureter is narrowed, often causing pain and urinary issues.
  • Ureteropelvic junction stricture - A specific type of stricture located at the junction where the ureter meets the renal pelvis, which can impede the passage of urine from the kidney to the bladder.

2. Procedure

The procedure involves several key steps to effectively treat the stricture:

  • Step 1: Insertion of the Ureteroscope - The procedure begins with the insertion of a cystoscope and ureteroscope through the urethra into the bladder. The ureteroscope is then advanced into the ureter, allowing the physician to visualize the stricture directly.
  • Step 2: Visualization of the Stricture - Once the ureteroscope is in place, the physician can see the narrowed area of the ureter or renal pelvis. This visualization is crucial for determining the appropriate treatment method.
  • Step 3: Passing a Guidewire - A guidewire is passed through the stricture to facilitate the subsequent treatment steps. This guidewire serves as a pathway for other instruments.
  • Step 4: Treatment of the Stricture - Depending on the specific case, the physician may choose one of several treatment options:
    • Balloon Dilation - A balloon catheter is advanced over the guidewire to the site of the stricture, inflated to widen the narrowed area, then deflated and removed.
    • Laser Treatment - A laser fiber is passed through the ureteroscope to the stricture site, where it is activated to incise the narrowed area, effectively removing the obstruction.
    • Electrocautery - This technique uses electrical current to cut through the tissue at the stricture site, allowing for the opening of the narrowed area.
    • Incision - A surgical incision may also be performed via the ureteroscope to directly open the stricture.

3. Post-Procedure

After the procedure, patients may experience some discomfort, which is typically managed with pain relief medications. It is important for patients to follow any post-procedure care instructions provided by their healthcare provider, which may include hydration recommendations and monitoring for any signs of complications, such as infection or persistent pain. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to assess the success of the treatment and to determine if further intervention is necessary.

Short Descr CYSTOURETERO W/RENAL STRICT
Medium Descr CYSTO W/URTROSCOPY W/TX INTRA-RENAL STRICTURE
Long Descr Cystourethroscopy with ureteroscopy; 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) 0 - 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 52351  Cystourethroscopy, with ureteroscopy and/or pyeloscopy; diagnostic
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.
50 Bilateral procedure: unless otherwise identified in the listings, bilateral procedures that are performed at the same session, should be identified by adding modifier 50 to the appropriate 5 digit code. note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
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.
78 Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician or other qualified health care professional following initial procedure for a related procedure during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that another procedure was performed during the postoperative period of the initial procedure (unplanned procedure following initial procedure). when this procedure is related to the first, and requires the use of an operating/procedure room, it may be reported by adding modifier 78 to the related procedure. (for repeat procedures, see modifier 76.)
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
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 Guideline added per CPT Errata & Technical Corrections document.
2001-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 2001.
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