CPT® Code 57220

The CPT® Code 57220 refers to a surgical procedure known as a plastic operation on the urethral sphincter, which is performed via a vaginal approach. This procedure is commonly utilized to address stress incontinence, a condition characterized by involuntary leakage of urine during activities that increase abdominal pressure, such as coughing, sneezing, or exercise. The operation typically involves techniques such as Kelly urethral plication, which aims to reduce the diameter of the urethra to enhance its closure mechanism and improve urinary control. The procedure is executed through the vagina, allowing direct access to the urethral sphincter. The surgical steps include the placement of a tenaculum on the cervix, making a transverse incision, and carefully dissecting the vaginal mucosa to expose the underlying structures. This meticulous approach ensures that the bladder and urethra are adequately separated from the vaginal tissue, facilitating the placement of sutures that will plicate the urethral tissue. The ultimate goal of this procedure is to restore proper function to the urethral sphincter, thereby alleviating the symptoms of stress incontinence and improving the patient's quality of life.