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Official Description

Transurethral drainage of prostatic abscess

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 52700 involves the transurethral drainage of a prostatic abscess, which is a localized collection of pus within the prostate gland. This condition often arises due to bacterial infection and can lead to significant discomfort and complications if not addressed promptly. The physician begins the procedure by locating the abscess through a digital rectal exam (DRE), which allows for a physical assessment of the prostate. In some cases, the physician may also utilize transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) guidance, a separate reportable procedure, to enhance the accuracy of the abscess localization. Once the abscess is identified, a cystourethroscope, a specialized instrument designed for visualizing the urethra and bladder, is inserted into the urethra. This step is crucial as it enables the physician to examine both the urethra and bladder for any abnormalities or additional issues. Following this examination, a needle is carefully used to puncture the abscess, allowing for the aspiration of a small amount of fluid. This fluid is then sent to the laboratory for culture, which is essential for identifying the causative organism and determining the appropriate antibiotic treatment. After the aspiration, an incision is made in the wall of the abscess to facilitate complete drainage. This step is vital to ensure that the infection is adequately managed and to prevent recurrence. Overall, the transurethral drainage of a prostatic abscess is a critical procedure aimed at alleviating symptoms, preventing complications, and promoting recovery in patients suffering from this condition.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The transurethral drainage of a prostatic abscess, as described by CPT® Code 52700, is indicated for patients presenting with specific symptoms and conditions related to prostatic abscess formation. The following are the primary indications for this procedure:

  • Prostatic Abscess The primary indication for this procedure is the presence of a prostatic abscess, which is typically characterized by localized infection and accumulation of pus within the prostate gland.
  • Symptoms of Infection Patients may exhibit symptoms such as fever, chills, pelvic pain, dysuria (painful urination), and urinary retention, which necessitate intervention.
  • Failure of Conservative Management The procedure is indicated when conservative treatments, such as antibiotics, have failed to resolve the infection or when the abscess is large enough to require drainage.

2. Procedure

The procedure for transurethral drainage of a prostatic abscess involves several critical steps to ensure effective drainage and management of the infection. The following outlines the procedural steps:

  • Step 1: Identification of the Abscess The physician begins by performing a digital rectal exam (DRE) to assess the prostate and identify the presence of an abscess. In some cases, transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) may be utilized to provide imaging guidance, allowing for more precise localization of the abscess.
  • Step 2: Insertion of Cystourethroscope Once the abscess is located, a cystourethroscope is inserted into the urethra. This instrument allows the physician to visualize the urethra and bladder, ensuring that any abnormalities can be assessed during the procedure.
  • Step 3: Aspiration of Abscess Fluid After visual examination, a needle is used to puncture the abscess. A small amount of purulent fluid is aspirated from the abscess cavity. This fluid is crucial for laboratory analysis, as it will be sent for culture to identify the causative organism.
  • Step 4: Incision and Drainage Following the aspiration, the physician makes a small incision in the wall of the abscess. This incision allows for complete drainage of the abscess, which is essential for alleviating symptoms and preventing further complications.

3. Post-Procedure

After the transurethral drainage of a prostatic abscess, patients may require specific post-procedure care to ensure proper recovery. It is important to monitor for any signs of complications, such as persistent fever or worsening pain. Patients may be advised to follow up with their healthcare provider to review the culture results and adjust antibiotic therapy as needed. Additionally, hydration and rest are typically recommended to support recovery. The physician may also provide instructions regarding any activity restrictions and the management of urinary symptoms that may persist following the procedure.

Short Descr DRAINAGE OF PROSTATE ABSCESS
Medium Descr TRURL DRAINAGE PROSTATIC ABSCESS
Long Descr Transurethral drainage of prostatic abscess
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) 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.
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) P5E - Ambulatory procedures - other
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 118 - Other OR therapeutic procedures, male genital
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).
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
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
Q6 Service furnished under a fee-for-time compensation arrangement by a substitute physician or by a substitute physical therapist furnishing outpatient physical therapy services in a health professional shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a rural area
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
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