CPT® Code 53660

Dilation of the female urethra is a medical procedure aimed at treating a narrowing or stricture of the urethra, which can occur due to various factors such as injury, scarring, congenital anomalies, or other underlying conditions. The procedure begins with the cleansing of the urethral opening to ensure a sterile environment. To minimize discomfort during the procedure, a local anesthetic is applied, which can be administered in the form of a suppository, jelly, or liquid. In some cases, general anesthesia or conduction anesthesia (such as spinal anesthesia) may be utilized to provide a higher level of sedation and pain relief. During the dilation process, a series of tubes or dilators are carefully inserted through the urethral opening and advanced to the urethrovesical junction. This technique is designed to gradually increase the diameter of the narrowed segment of the urethra, thereby alleviating the obstruction. A urethroscope may be employed to assist in guiding the dilators accurately. After the dilation is completed, a catheter may be placed to facilitate bladder drainage, ensuring that the patient can void comfortably post-procedure. For billing purposes, the CPT® code 53660 is designated for the initial dilation, while 53661 is used for subsequent dilations performed under local anesthesia. If the dilation is conducted under general or conduction anesthesia, the appropriate code is 53665, applicable for both initial and subsequent procedures.