2025 CPT code 54680
Effective Date: N/A Surgery - Surgical Procedures on the Male Genital System Feed
Transplantation of testis(es) to thigh (because of scrotal destruction).
Modifiers such as 50 (bilateral procedure), 22 (increased procedural services), and 79 (unrelated procedure by the same physician during the postoperative period) may be applicable depending on the circumstances. It is important to consult the latest CPT coding guidelines and payer-specific regulations.
Medical necessity for this procedure must be clearly documented. This should demonstrate the reason for scrotal loss (e.g., trauma, infection, surgery) and explain why thigh pouch implantation is the most appropriate interim solution to preserve testicular function and enable future reconstruction.
The surgeon is responsible for preparing the patient, performing the transplantation, ensuring blood flow to the testis is preserved, and closing the incision appropriately.
In simple words: If the skin of the scrotum is damaged, the testicle can be temporarily placed under the skin of the thigh. This protects the testicle and keeps it healthy until the scrotum can be repaired. The doctor makes a small cut in the thigh, creates a space under the skin, and carefully stitches the testicle in place.They make sure the testicle still gets blood flow so it stays alive. This is a temporary solution until the scrotum can be reconstructed.
This procedure involves transplanting a patient's testis under the skin of the thigh to preserve its function following injury or surgical loss of the scrotal skin. This is a temporary measure, usually performed to allow for future reconstruction of the testicle.The surgeon makes an incision in the thigh skin, creates a subcutaneous pouch, and sutures the testis into this pouch. It is crucial to maintain or restore blood flow to the transplanted testis.The thigh provides a similar environment to the scrotum, which helps preserve the testicle until reconstructive surgery can be performed.
Example 1: A patient experiences severe scrotal trauma in a motorcycle accident, necessitating removal of the damaged scrotal tissue. To preserve the testicle, the surgeon performs a thigh pouch implantation., A patient with Fournier's gangrene requires extensive debridement of necrotic scrotal tissue, leaving the testicle exposed. A thigh pouch procedure is performed as a temporary measure before scrotal reconstruction., A patient undergoes surgery for a large scrotal mass, resulting in significant scrotal skin loss. The surgeon opts for a thigh pouch implantation to preserve the testicle until a skin graft or flap can be performed.
Documentation should include details of the injury or condition leading to scrotal loss, the operative report for the thigh pouch procedure (including the state of the testis and confirmation of blood supply), and any plans for future reconstructive surgery. Photographs may also be beneficial.
** Skin graft or flap codes may be reported separately if performed during the same session. It's crucial to document the condition of the testicle at the time of transplantation and ensure careful monitoring of the relocated testicle for any signs of complications like infection or vascular compromise.
- Specialties:Urology, Plastic Surgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center