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Official Description

Drainage of Skene's gland abscess or cyst

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Skene's glands, also referred to as periurethral glands, are small mucus-producing glands situated adjacent to the distal urethra in females. These glands play a role in delivering secretions into the female urethra, particularly near the urethral meatus. When the ducts of the Skene's glands become obstructed, fluid can accumulate, leading to the formation of cysts. In some cases, these cysts may become infected, resulting in the development of abscesses. The procedure coded as CPT® 53060 involves the drainage of such an abscess or cyst. During this procedure, the healthcare provider locates the cyst or abscess through palpation, which is the act of feeling the area with the fingers to identify the abnormality. Once located, the cyst or abscess is incised, meaning a surgical cut is made, and the contents are drained to relieve symptoms and prevent further complications.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure coded as CPT® 53060 is indicated for the following conditions:

  • Skene's Gland Abscess An abscess may form when an obstruction occurs in the Skene's glands, leading to infection and accumulation of pus.
  • Skene's Gland Cyst A cyst can develop due to the blockage of the Skene's ducts, which may require drainage if symptomatic or infected.

2. Procedure

The procedure for the drainage of a Skene's gland abscess or cyst involves several key steps:

  • Step 1: Identification The healthcare provider begins by palpating the area around the distal urethra to locate the cyst or abscess. This physical examination is crucial for determining the exact location and size of the abnormality.
  • Step 2: Preparation Once the cyst or abscess is identified, the area is prepared for the procedure. This typically involves cleaning the skin with an antiseptic solution to minimize the risk of infection.
  • Step 3: Incision After preparation, the provider makes a small incision over the cyst or abscess. This incision allows for the drainage of the accumulated fluid or pus.
  • Step 4: Drainage The contents of the cyst or abscess are then carefully drained. This step is essential to relieve pressure and alleviate symptoms associated with the obstruction or infection.
  • Step 5: Closure Depending on the size of the incision and the amount of drainage, the provider may choose to close the incision with sutures or leave it open to allow for further drainage and healing.

3. Post-Procedure

After the drainage procedure, patients may be advised on specific post-procedure care to ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of complications. This may include instructions on keeping the area clean and dry, monitoring for signs of infection such as increased redness, swelling, or discharge, and managing any discomfort with prescribed pain relief. Follow-up appointments may be necessary to assess healing and determine if further treatment is required.

Short Descr DRAINAGE OF URETHRA ABSCESS
Medium Descr DRG OF SKENE'S GLAND ABSCESS OR CYST
Long Descr Drainage of Skene's gland abscess or cyst
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 010 - Minor Procedure
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 Office-based surgical procedure added to ASC list in CY 2008 or later with MPFS nonfacility PE RVUs; payment based on MPFS nonfacility PE RVUs.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P6C - Minor procedures - other (Medicare fee schedule)
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 109 - Procedures on the urethra
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).
Date
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Notes
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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