Recur cholesteatoma of postmastoidectomy cavity, unsp ear

This code signifies the regrowth of a cholesteatoma within the mastoid cavity following a prior mastoidectomy. A cholesteatoma is an abnormal, non-cancerous skin growth that can develop in the middle ear and mastoid bone, potentially causing bone erosion and hearing loss. Its recurrence in a post-surgical space indicates a persistent or re-emergent disease process.

Use this code when documentation explicitly states a recurrent cholesteatoma is present in a mastoidectomy cavity, and the laterality of the affected ear is not specified. This typically occurs after a patient has undergone a mastoidectomy for a previous cholesteatoma. Supporting documentation should include operative reports, pathology findings, or imaging studies confirming the recurrence.

• Do not use this code if the cholesteatoma is primary or if the ear is specified (e.g., right, left, bilateral).
• Ensure documentation clearly distinguishes between a residual cholesteatoma (present after initial surgery) and a recurrent one (new growth after a period of absence).
• Consider sequencing this code as a primary diagnosis if it is the main reason for the encounter, or as a secondary diagnosis if it is a co-morbidity being managed.