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Official Description

Laser vaporization of prostate, including control of postoperative bleeding, complete (vasectomy, meatotomy, cystourethroscopy, urethral calibration and/or dilation, internal urethrotomy and transurethral resection of prostate are included if performed)

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

A complete laser vaporization of the prostate is a surgical procedure that utilizes laser technology to remove prostate tissue. This method is also known as interstitial laser coagulation of the prostate (ILCP) or contact laser ablation of the prostate (CLAP). The procedure is designed to achieve immediate destruction and vaporization of prostate tissue, which can alleviate symptoms associated with prostate enlargement or other related conditions. During the procedure, the physician employs a cystourethroscope, a specialized instrument that allows for endoscopic examination of the urethra and bladder. This examination is crucial for assessing the anatomy of the urethral sphincter and prostate, as well as the positioning of the ureters and bladder neck. In addition to the primary laser vaporization, several ancillary procedures may be performed to enhance surgical access and effectiveness. These include vasectomy, meatotomy, cystourethroscopy, urethral calibration, urethral dilation, and internal urethrotomy. The laser fiber is carefully introduced and positioned to avoid direct contact with the prostate tissue, and the laser is activated using controlled movements to ensure effective vaporization. The procedure is designed to minimize postoperative complications, such as bleeding, and typically does not require the placement of a Foley catheter postoperatively. Overall, this advanced technique aims to provide relief from urinary symptoms while ensuring patient safety and comfort.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The laser vaporization of the prostate is indicated for patients experiencing symptoms related to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or other prostate-related conditions. The procedure is particularly suitable for individuals who may benefit from a minimally invasive approach to reduce urinary obstruction and improve urinary flow. Specific indications include:

  • Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) - A common condition in older men characterized by an enlarged prostate that can lead to urinary difficulties.
  • Urinary Obstruction - Symptoms such as difficulty starting urination, weak urine stream, or frequent urination may warrant this procedure.
  • Prostate Tissue Removal - Patients requiring removal of excess prostate tissue to alleviate symptoms associated with prostate enlargement.

2. Procedure

The procedure for laser vaporization of the prostate involves several critical steps to ensure effective treatment and patient safety. The following procedural steps are performed:

  • Step 1: Preparation and Anesthesia - The patient is positioned appropriately, and local or general anesthesia is administered to ensure comfort during the procedure.
  • Step 2: Cystourethroscopy - A cystourethroscope is inserted into the urethra to allow for direct visualization of the urethra and bladder. This step is essential for assessing the anatomy and identifying any abnormalities.
  • Step 3: Urethral Access Procedures - If necessary, the physician may perform a meatotomy to incise the urethral meatus, as well as urethral calibration or dilation to facilitate better access to the prostate. An internal urethrotomy may also be performed if required.
  • Step 4: Laser Fiber Introduction - The laser fiber is carefully introduced into the surgical field, ensuring it does not make direct contact with the prostate tissue at this stage.
  • Step 5: Laser Vaporization - The laser is activated and directed perpendicularly to the prostate tissue, employing slow side-to-side sweeping movements to achieve effective vaporization. This process results in the formation of bubbles as the tissue is destroyed.
  • Step 6: Inspection and Verification - Once all lobes of the prostate have been treated, the bladder is emptied, and the surgical cavity is inspected to confirm that sufficient tissue has been removed. The visibility of the bladder neck from the verumontanum is also assessed, along with the integrity of the ureters.
  • Step 7: Control of Postoperative Bleeding - Any bleeding that may occur during the procedure is controlled before concluding the surgery.
  • Step 8: Removal of Instruments - The surgical tools and cystourethroscope are carefully removed from the patient.

3. Post-Procedure

After the laser vaporization of the prostate, patients typically experience minimal postoperative bleeding, which is one of the advantages of this procedure. In most cases, a Foley catheter is not required, allowing for a more comfortable recovery. Patients are monitored for any immediate complications, and instructions for postoperative care are provided. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to assess recovery and the effectiveness of the procedure in alleviating urinary symptoms. It is important for patients to report any unusual symptoms or complications to their healthcare provider promptly.

Short Descr LASER SURGERY OF PROSTATE
Medium Descr LASER VAPORIZATION OF PROSTATE FOR URINE FLOW
Long Descr Laser vaporization of prostate, including control of postoperative bleeding, complete (vasectomy, meatotomy, cystourethroscopy, urethral calibration and/or dilation, internal urethrotomy and transurethral resection of prostate are included if performed)
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 090 - Major Surgery
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple 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.
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) P1D - Major procedure - turp
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 118 - Other OR therapeutic procedures, male genital
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
SG Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service
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.
QX Crna service: with medical direction by a physician
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).
53 Discontinued procedure: under certain circumstances, the physician or other qualified health care professional may elect to terminate a surgical or diagnostic procedure. due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, it may be necessary to indicate that a surgical or diagnostic procedure was started but discontinued. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 53 to the code reported by the individual for the discontinued procedure. note: this modifier is not used to report the elective cancellation of a procedure prior to the patient's anesthesia induction and/or surgical preparation in the operating suite. for outpatient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) 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.
73 Discontinued out-patient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) procedure prior to the administration of anesthesia: due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, the physician may cancel a surgical or diagnostic procedure subsequent to the patient's surgical preparation (including sedation when provided, and being taken to the room where the procedure is to be performed), but prior to the administration of anesthesia (local, regional block(s) or general). under these circumstances, the intended service that is prepared for but cancelled can be reported by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 73. note: the elective cancellation of a service prior to the administration of anesthesia and/or surgical preparation of the patient should not be reported. for physician reporting of a discontinued procedure, see modifier 53.
74 Discontinued out-patient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) procedure after administration of anesthesia: due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, the physician may terminate a surgical or diagnostic procedure after the administration of anesthesia (local, regional block(s), general) or after the procedure was started (incision made, intubation started, scope inserted, etc). under these circumstances, the procedure started but terminated can be reported by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 74. note: the elective cancellation of a service prior to the administration of anesthesia and/or surgical preparation of the patient should not be reported. for physician reporting of a discontinued procedure, see modifier 53.
76 Repeat procedure or service by same physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was repeated by the same physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 76 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
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.)
AG Primary physician
AI Principal physician of record
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
CC Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed)
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
KX Requirements specified in the medical policy have been met
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
QZ Crna service: without medical direction by a physician
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
2006-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
1995-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 1995.
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