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Official Description

Insertion of penile prosthesis; non-inflatable (semi-rigid)

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 54400 involves the insertion of a non-inflatable (semi-rigid) penile prosthesis, which is a surgical intervention aimed at treating erectile dysfunction. This condition can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, and the placement of a penile prosthesis serves as a solution for those who have not found relief through other treatments. The non-inflatable prosthesis consists of malleable rods that allow the penis to be positioned manually for sexual intercourse. The procedure requires careful surgical techniques to ensure proper placement and function of the prosthesis. The surgical approach typically involves a transurethral catheter placement, followed by a precise incision made along the subcoronal area of the penis, which is essential for accessing the corpora cavernosa, the erectile tissues of the penis. The use of stay sutures and the creation of spaces within the corporal tissue are critical steps in ensuring that the prosthetic cylinders are securely placed and that the overall integrity of the penile structure is maintained. This procedure is performed under sterile conditions and requires a thorough understanding of the anatomy of the penis to minimize complications and optimize outcomes for the patient.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The insertion of a non-inflatable penile prosthesis, as described by CPT® Code 54400, is indicated for patients experiencing erectile dysfunction that has not responded to conservative treatments. The following conditions may warrant this surgical intervention:

  • Erectile Dysfunction - A persistent inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance.
  • Failure of Conservative Treatments - Patients who have not found relief from oral medications, vacuum erection devices, or other non-surgical therapies.
  • Anatomical Abnormalities - Conditions such as Peyronie's disease or other anatomical issues that may contribute to erectile dysfunction.

2. Procedure

The procedure for the insertion of a non-inflatable penile prosthesis involves several detailed steps to ensure proper placement and function:

  • Step 1: Catheter Placement - A catheter is placed transurethrally to facilitate access and maintain urinary function during the procedure.
  • Step 2: Incision - A 180-degree skin incision is made along the subcoronal area of the penis, extending down to Buck's fascia, which allows for access to the underlying structures.
  • Step 3: Placement of Stay Sutures - Stay sutures are placed through the tunica albuginea, which is the fibrous envelope of the corpora cavernosa, lateral to the penile nerves. This secures each corpora cavernosa in place.
  • Step 4: Longitudinal Incisions - Longitudinal incisions are made along the dorsal surface of the corpora cavernosa between the stay sutures, allowing for the creation of spaces within the erectile tissue.
  • Step 5: Space Creation - The incisions are extended, and spaces are created on each side in the corporal tissue to accommodate the prosthetic cylinders.
  • Step 6: Dilation - The spaces are enlarged using a dilator, which is positioned under the dorsolateral surface of the tunica albuginea. Dilation proceeds at an angle away from the urethra and the penile septum to ensure proper placement.
  • Step 7: Prosthetic Cylinder Insertion - The spaces are measured, and appropriately sized prosthetic cylinders are loaded into an inserter. These cylinders are then placed into each of the corporal spaces created earlier.
  • Step 8: Closure - After the prosthetic cylinders are in place, the inserting instrument is removed, and the corporal incision is closed. This is followed by the closure of the tunica albuginea and the skin to complete the procedure.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care following the insertion of a non-inflatable penile prosthesis includes monitoring for any immediate complications such as bleeding or infection. Patients are typically advised to avoid sexual activity for a specified period to allow for proper healing. Follow-up appointments are essential to assess the function of the prosthesis and to address any concerns the patient may have. Pain management and instructions for care of the surgical site are also provided to ensure a smooth recovery process.

Short Descr INSERT SEMI-RIGID PROSTHESIS
Medium Descr INSJ PENILE PROSTHESIS NON-INFLATABLE SEMI-RIGID
Long Descr Insertion of penile prosthesis; non-inflatable (semi-rigid)
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) 1 - Statutory payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies 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 Device-intensive procedure added to ASC list in CY 2008 or later; paid at adjusted rate.
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
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.
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).
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).
53 Discontinued procedure: under certain circumstances, the physician or other qualified health care professional may elect to terminate a surgical or diagnostic procedure. due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, it may be necessary to indicate that a surgical or diagnostic procedure was started but discontinued. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 53 to the code reported by the individual for the discontinued procedure. note: this modifier is not used to report the elective cancellation of a procedure prior to the patient's anesthesia induction and/or surgical preparation in the operating suite. for outpatient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) 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).
58 Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was: (a) planned or anticipated (staged); (b) more extensive than the original procedure; or (c) for therapy following a surgical procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 58 to the staged or related procedure. note: for treatment of a problem that requires a return to the operating/procedure room (eg, unanticipated clinical condition), see modifier 78.
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.
74 Discontinued out-patient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) procedure after administration of anesthesia: due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, the physician may terminate a surgical or diagnostic procedure after the administration of anesthesia (local, regional block(s), general) or after the procedure was started (incision made, intubation started, scope inserted, etc). under these circumstances, the procedure started but terminated can be reported by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 74. note: the elective cancellation of a service prior to the administration of anesthesia and/or surgical preparation of the patient should not be reported. for physician reporting of a discontinued procedure, see modifier 53.
78 Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician or other qualified health care professional following initial procedure for a related procedure during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that another procedure was performed during the postoperative period of the initial procedure (unplanned procedure following initial procedure). when this procedure is related to the first, and requires the use of an operating/procedure room, it may be reported by adding modifier 78 to the related procedure. (for repeat procedures, see modifier 76.)
80 Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s).
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
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