0VLH0CZ
Occlusion Spermatic Cords, Bilateral to No Qualifier with Extraluminal Device, Open Approach
Procedural Specifications
| Clinical Axis | Detail Definition |
|---|---|
| Section | 0 Medical and Surgical |
| Body System | V Male Reproductive System |
| Operation | L Occlusion |
| Body Part | H Spermatic Cords, Bilateral |
| Approach | 0 Open |
| Device | C Extraluminal Device |
| Qualifier | Z No Qualifier |
Operation Definition
Completely closing an orifice or the lumen of a tubular body part
Procedure Overview
Occlusion procedures in the male reproductive system close off a tubular structure so that material can no longer pass through it, and the vas deferens is the body part most often involved. The classic example is vasectomy, where each vas deferens is tied, clipped, cauterized, or otherwise sealed to prevent sperm from reaching the ejaculate, providing a permanent method of contraception.
These procedures are usually performed in an office or outpatient setting under local anesthesia and are chosen by men who have decided they do not want to father children in the future. Because the goal is complete closure rather than narrowing or removal, the approach can vary from a traditional incisional technique to a no-scalpel method, but the underlying objective, blocking the lumen entirely, stays the same.
Anatomy & Axis Detail
Spermatic Cords, Bilateral
Bilateral spermatic cord occlusion closes both cords in a single operative episode rather than reporting each side separately, and is used when the code set's bilateral body part value applies to the specific procedure performed. This is most relevant to bilateral varicocele repair, where dilated pampiniform veins on both sides are ligated in the same session to address symmetric venous reflux, discomfort, or fertility concerns. Because each cord also carries the vas deferens and testicular artery, the surgeon selectively occludes the venous component while preserving arterial and ductal flow when the goal is varicocele treatment rather than sterilization. Using the bilateral value instead of two separate right and left codes is appropriate only when coding guidelines direct a single bilateral body part rather than distinct laterality-specific procedures.
Approach: Open
Open approach means the surgeon cuts through skin, mucous membrane, or other tissue layers to physically expose the target site to view before performing the procedure. It gives direct visualization and hands-on access, distinguishing it from Percutaneous approaches where instruments pass through a small puncture without exposing the site. Open is typical for procedures needing wide access, such as most laparotomies.
Device: Extraluminal Device
Extraluminal Device describes a device positioned on the outside surface of a tubular or hollow body part rather than within its lumen, such as a vascular banding or external stabilization device. It is the structural counterpart to Intraluminal Device, distinguished by its external placement relative to the vessel or duct wall rather than sitting inside the passageway itself.
Coding & Documentation
Coders assign an Occlusion code when documentation confirms the vas deferens (or another applicable structure) was completely closed, using terms like ligated, clipped, cauterized, or sealed with no opening left. The operative note should specify whether both sides were done bilaterally or only one, since laterality affects body part selection, and should describe the technique used to determine the correct approach value.
A common mistake is confusing occlusion with excision when a segment of the vas deferens is actually removed rather than just closed off; if a portion of the duct is cut out, Excision may need to be considered alongside or instead of Occlusion depending on the technique documented. Coders should also confirm bilaterality is explicitly stated rather than assumed, since an incomplete note describing only one side changes the code selection.