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Official Description

Plastic operation of penis for straightening of chordee (eg, hypospadias), with or without mobilization of urethra

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 54300 refers to a surgical procedure known as a plastic operation of the penis, specifically aimed at straightening a condition called chordee, which is often associated with hypospadias. Chordee is characterized by a downward curvature of the penis, which can lead to difficulties during sexual function and may affect the overall quality of life. The procedure involves several accepted surgical techniques that are designed to correct this curvature effectively. The operation typically begins with a longitudinal incision made along the circumcision scar on the shaft of the penis, allowing access to the underlying structures. The penile skin is then degloved, exposing the corpus cavernosum, which is the erectile tissue of the penis. A needle is inserted into the corpus cavernosum at a vertical angle to facilitate movement during an erection, which is induced by attaching a perfusion pump filled with normal saline. This step is crucial as it allows the surgeon to observe the location and degree of curvature in real-time. Depending on the nature of the curvature, various techniques may be employed, including the mobilization and potential excision of fibrous tissue, plication of the tunica albuginea, and careful suturing to ensure proper alignment of the penis. The procedure is designed to restore normal penile function and appearance, addressing both aesthetic and functional concerns associated with chordee.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure described by CPT® Code 54300 is indicated for the correction of chordee, particularly in cases associated with hypospadias. The following conditions may warrant this surgical intervention:

  • Chordee A condition characterized by a downward curvature of the penis, which can lead to difficulties during sexual intercourse and may affect urinary function.
  • Hypospadias A congenital condition where the urethral opening is not located at the tip of the penis, often accompanied by chordee.

2. Procedure

The surgical procedure for correcting chordee involves several detailed steps, which are as follows:

  • Step 1: Incision and Exposure A longitudinal incision is made through the circumcision scar along the shaft of the penis. This incision is carried down to the superficial layer of Buck's fascia, allowing the surgeon to access the underlying structures. The penile skin is then degloved, which means it is carefully separated from the underlying tissues to expose the corpus cavernosum.
  • Step 2: Inducing Erection A needle is inserted into the corpus cavernosum at a vertical angle to the penile axis. This step is crucial as it allows for the movement of the penis during an erection. A perfusion pump filled with normal saline is then attached to the needle, and fluid is pumped into the tissue until an erection is achieved. This induced erection enables the surgeon to observe the location and degree of curvature present in the penis.
  • Step 3: Mobilization of Fibrous Tissue For cases of ventral curvature, the fibrous tissue in the dartos fascia is mobilized for removal. The fibrous tissue in Buck's fascia is then opened using scissors, which allows for the mobilization of the urethra and corpus spongiosum between the glans and the penoscrotal junction. An erection is induced again with saline, and if the penis is straight, the degloved skin is repositioned, and the wound is closed.
  • Step 4: Excision and Plication In cases where penile length is not a concern, an alternative approach involves excision and plication of the tunica albuginea. A circumferential skin incision is made at the glans, and the penis is degloved to allow for the mobilization of the urethra by resection from the dartos and Buck's fascia. Erection is induced as previously described, and if curvature remains, an ellipse of tissue opposite the concave curve is marked and excised from the tunica albuginea. The edges of the ellipse are then sutured closed.
  • Step 5: Additional Corrections If a penile curve persists, additional elliptical incisions may be made until the penis is straight. The degloved skin is then mobilized back up the shaft of the penis and sutured around the glans.
  • Step 6: Correction of Lateral Curvature When only a lateral curve requires correction, an erection is induced as previously described. A small vertical incision is made through Buck's fascia at the point of maximal curvature. A horizontal ellipse of tissue is removed from the tunica albuginea, and the edges are sutured. An erection is induced again, and if the penis is straight, Buck's fascia is sutured closed, followed by closure of the skin.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care following the plastic operation of the penis for chordee correction typically involves monitoring for any complications such as infection or excessive bleeding. Patients may be advised to avoid strenuous activities and sexual intercourse for a specified period to allow for proper healing. Follow-up appointments are essential to assess the surgical outcome and ensure that the penis has healed correctly and remains straight. Any concerns regarding the appearance or function of the penis should be addressed during these follow-up visits.

Short Descr REVISION OF PENIS
Medium Descr PENIS STRAIGHTENING CHORDEE
Long Descr Plastic operation of penis for straightening of chordee (eg, hypospadias), with or without mobilization of urethra
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 090 - Major Surgery
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 2 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery does not apply to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 1 - Co-surgeons could be paid, though supporting documentation is required...
Team Surgery (66) 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Hospital Part B services paid through a comprehensive APC
ASC Payment Indicator Surgical procedure on ASC list in CY 2007; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P1G - Major procedure - Other
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 118 - Other OR therapeutic procedures, male genital
51 Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
22 Increased procedural services: when the work required to provide a service is substantially greater than typically required, it may be identified by adding modifier 22 to the usual procedure code. documentation must support the substantial additional work and the reason for the additional work (ie, increased intensity, time, technical difficulty of procedure, severity of patient's condition, physical and mental effort required). note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
52 Reduced services: under certain circumstances a service or procedure is partially reduced or eliminated at the discretion of the physician or other qualified health care professional. under these circumstances the service provided can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 52, signifying that the service is reduced. this provides a means of reporting reduced services without disturbing the identification of the basic service. note: for hospital outpatient reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well-being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
59 Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25.
62 Two surgeons: when 2 surgeons work together as primary surgeons performing distinct part(s) of a procedure, each surgeon should report his/her distinct operative work by adding modifier 62 to the procedure code and any associated add-on code(s) for that procedure as long as both surgeons continue to work together as primary surgeons. each surgeon should report the co-surgery once using the same procedure code. if additional procedure(s) (including add-on procedure(s) are performed during the same surgical session, separate code(s) may also be reported with modifier 62 added. note: if a co-surgeon acts as an assistant in the performance of additional procedure(s), other than those reported with the modifier 62, during the same surgical session, those services may be reported using separate procedure code(s) with modifier 80 or modifier 82 added, as appropriate.
79 Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: the individual may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by using modifier 79. (for repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier 76.)
80 Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s).
82 Assistant surgeon (when qualified resident surgeon not available): the unavailability of a qualified resident surgeon is a prerequisite for use of modifier 82 appended to the usual procedure code number(s).
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
KX Requirements specified in the medical policy have been met
SG Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
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