ICD-10-PCS Billable Code

0TW937Z

Revision Ureter to No Qualifier with Autologous Tissue Substitute, Percutaneous Approach

Procedural Specifications

Clinical Axis Detail Definition
Section0 Medical and Surgical
Body SystemT Urinary System
OperationW Revision
Body Part9 Ureter
Approach3 Percutaneous
Device7 Autologous Tissue Substitute
QualifierZ No Qualifier

Operation Definition

Correcting, to the extent possible, a portion of a malfunctioning device or the position of a displaced device

Procedure Overview

Revision procedures address problems with a urinary system device that has already been implanted, such as a nephrostomy tube, ureteral stent, artificial urinary sphincter, or urinary diversion appliance. The purpose is to correct a malfunction or reposition a device that has shifted from its intended location, rather than to remove the device permanently or treat the underlying organ itself.

Patients need this type of procedure when a previously placed device stops working as expected, becomes displaced, or causes new symptoms like pain, leakage, or infection. Surgeons evaluate whether the device can be adjusted, repositioned, or repaired in place, which is usually a smaller undertaking than removing and replacing the entire device.

Anatomy & Axis Detail

Ureter

Revision of the ureter corrects a problem arising from a previously placed stent, ureteral reimplantation, or other prior reconstructive procedure that has become obstructed, displaced, or is causing stricture or leakage. Because the ureter is a narrow, peristaltic tube prone to scarring at anastomotic sites, revision often focuses on the ureterovesical or ureteropelvic junction where earlier surgery was performed, adjusting or repairing the existing construct rather than removing a device outright. The distinction from removal matters here, since revision keeps the prior repair or hardware in place while correcting its malfunction, whereas removal would take it out. Operative documentation should reference the original procedure being revised, the specific defect identified, such as stenosis or migration, and the corrective technique used, since accurate laterality and level are also needed for precise code assignment.

Approach: Percutaneous

Percutaneous describes entry by needle or instrument puncture through the skin or mucous membrane to reach the site of the procedure, without cutting the tissue open or using a visualizing scope. It differs from Open in that the site itself is never exposed, and from Percutaneous Endoscopic in that no endoscope is used to see internal structures. Common examples include needle biopsies and injections.

Device: Autologous Tissue Substitute

Autologous Tissue Substitute identifies a device value where material harvested from the patient's own body, such as an autograft, is used to replace or reconstruct a body part. Its defining feature is tissue origin from the patient, setting it apart from Nonautologous Tissue Substitute, sourced from a donor or animal, and Synthetic Substitute, made of manufactured material.

Coding & Documentation

Coders should confirm the documentation describes correction of a device already present in the body, whether by repositioning, adjusting, or repairing a component, and should identify which specific device was involved. The operative note needs to distinguish revision from removal followed by insertion of a new device, since those represent different root operations entirely. A frequent error is coding Revision when a device was actually taken out and a brand-new one placed, which should instead be captured as Removal followed by Insertion or Replacement depending on the circumstances.

Another common pitfall is failing to link the revision to the correct original device type documented in the patient's history, which can affect accuracy of the overall procedural picture.

Commonly Confused With

RemovalRevision is often confused with Removal followed by Insertion, since both involve a previously placed device, but Revision applies specifically when the existing device is corrected or repositioned rather than exchanged for a new one.
RepairIt is also distinguished from Repair, which addresses native tissue rather than a device, and from Replacement, which involves removing an entire body part or device and putting in a new one.