CPT® Code 52353

CPT® Code 52353 refers to a specific medical procedure known as cystourethroscopy with ureteroscopy and/or pyeloscopy, accompanied by lithotripsy. This procedure is primarily utilized for the diagnosis and treatment of calculi, or stones, located within the ureters or renal pelvis. The process begins with the cleansing of the urethra using 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. To enhance visualization of the bladder wall, sterile saline may be instilled into the bladder. After inspecting the bladder, the ureters are catheterized to facilitate access to the stones. A guidewire is carefully advanced through the cystoscope into the ureter, reaching the site of the calculus. The cystoscope is subsequently removed, allowing a ureteroscope to be advanced over the guidewire to the calculus site. In this procedure, the calculus is fragmented using lithotripsy, which employs either ultrasonic or electrohydraulic techniques to break the stone into smaller pieces. This fragmentation is crucial as it allows for easier retrieval of the stone fragments. Following the fragmentation process, a catheter may be placed over the guidewire into the renal pelvis, and the ureter may be irrigated to clear any remaining calculus fragments. Additionally, diagnostic or therapeutic solutions can be instilled into the ureter through the catheter, and the ureteroscope may be advanced into the renal pelvis for further examination as it is withdrawn.