CPT® Code 56800

The procedure described by CPT® Code 56800 refers to the plastic repair of the vaginal introitus, which is the opening of the vagina. This surgical intervention is specifically aimed at addressing vaginal outlet stenosis, a condition that can arise as a complication from an episiotomy—a surgical cut made during childbirth to facilitate delivery—or following a posterior repair, which is a surgical procedure to correct issues in the posterior vaginal wall. During the procedure, the physician makes an incision at the posterior fold of the labia minora, also known as the posterior fourchette. This incision allows access to the underlying structures. The next step involves dissecting the posterior vaginal wall away from the perineal body, which is the area between the vaginal opening and the anus. A triangular section of skin is then excised from the perineum, starting at the posterior fourchette and extending towards the anus. This excision exposes the superficial transverse perineal muscle, which is crucial for the structural integrity of the pelvic floor. To facilitate the widening of the vaginal outlet, a series of small incisions are made in this muscle. Following this, the posterior vaginal mucosa is mobilized and sutured to the perineal skin to effectively cover the surgical defect created by the excision. This meticulous approach aims to restore normal anatomy and function to the vaginal introitus, thereby alleviating the symptoms associated with vaginal outlet stenosis.