2025 CPT code 50386
(Current) Effective Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Urinary System Feed
Removal (via snare/capture) of internally dwelling ureteral stent via transurethral approach, without use of cystoscopy, including radiological supervision and interpretation.
Modifiers may be applicable to this code. Refer to current CPT guidelines for specific modifier usage.
Medical necessity for removal of an indwelling ureteral stent is established when the stent is no longer needed to maintain urine flow or prevent obstruction. This may be due to resolution of the underlying condition, such as passage of a kidney stone or healing of a stricture.
The physician is responsible for prepping and anesthetizing the patient, accessing the bladder, injecting contrast, manipulating the guidewire and snare/capture device under fluoroscopic guidance, removing the stent, and ensuring proper post-procedure care.
In simple words: The doctor removes a small tube called a ureteral stent from your urinary system. This tube helps urine drain from your kidney. The doctor uses a thin wire and a special tool to grab the stent and pull it out through your urethra, the same opening used for urination.X-ray imaging is used to guide the procedure.
This procedure involves the removal of an indwelling ureteral stent using a transurethral approach and imaging guidance, without the use of a cystoscope.The patient is prepped and anesthetized. A catheter is passed into the bladder, and contrast is injected. A guidewire is advanced into the bladder. Under fluoroscopic guidance, a snare or other capture device is introduced into the bladder to grasp the distal end of the stent. The stent is then pulled into the bladder and urethra. Using fluoroscopic guidance, the guidewire is placed through the opening of the ureteral stent and advanced into the renal pelvis. The stent is completely removed via the urethra, the guidewire is removed, and all instruments are withdrawn.
Example 1: A patient with a history of kidney stones has an indwelling ureteral stent that needs to be removed following lithotripsy., A patient with a ureteral stricture has a stent placed to maintain urine flow. After several weeks, the stent requires removal., Following a surgical procedure on the ureter, a stent is placed temporarily and needs to be removed after healing.
Documentation should include the medical necessity for the stent removal, details of the procedure including the technique used, confirmation of stent removal, and any complications encountered.Radiological documentation of the procedure should also be included.
- Specialties:Urology, Interventional Radiology
- Place of Service:Ambulatory Surgical Center, Hospital Outpatient, Office