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The procedure described by CPT® Code 57010 refers to a colpotomy performed specifically for the drainage of a pelvic abscess. In this surgical intervention, the posterior cervical lip is grasped using a tenaculum, which is a surgical instrument designed to hold or grasp tissue. This action elevates the cervix, allowing the physician to gain access to the posterior vaginal wall. A stab incision is made in this area, which may be widened as necessary to facilitate the procedure. The physician then explores the posterior cul-de-sac, which is the space located behind the uterus, to identify any signs of infection, disease, or other abnormalities. In the case of CPT® Code 57010, the focus is on draining an abscess that has formed in this region. The physician utilizes blunt forceps or a finger to break up loculi, or compartments, within the abscess cavity to ensure effective drainage. Once the abscess is adequately drained, the collected fluid is typically sent for laboratory cultures to identify any infectious agents. Additionally, the abscess site may be catheterized and irrigated with sterile saline or an antibiotic solution to promote healing and prevent further infection. To facilitate ongoing drainage, a drain may be placed at the site, and the incision is subsequently closed around this drain to maintain the integrity of the area while allowing for continued drainage as needed.
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The procedure described by CPT® Code 57010 is indicated for the management of pelvic abscesses. The following conditions may warrant the performance of this procedure:
The procedure involves several key steps to ensure effective drainage of the pelvic abscess:
After the procedure, the patient may require monitoring for any signs of complications, such as infection or excessive bleeding. The site of the incision should be kept clean and dry, and any drainage from the site should be documented. Patients may be advised on signs of infection to watch for, such as increased pain, fever, or unusual discharge. Follow-up appointments may be necessary to assess healing and to remove any drains that were placed during the procedure. Additionally, the results of the laboratory cultures should be reviewed to guide any further treatment if needed.
| Short Descr | COLPOTOMY DRG PEL ABSCESS | Medium Descr | COLPOTOMY W/DRAINAGE PELVIC ABSCESS | Long Descr | Colpotomy; with drainage of pelvic 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) | P1G - Major procedure - Other | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 132 - Other OR therapeutic procedures, female organs |
| 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.) | AS | Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician |
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| 2025-01-01 | Changed | Short Description changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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