Ac appendicitis w perf, loc peritonitis, & gangr, w/o abscs

This code signifies an acute inflammation of the appendix that has progressed to include a full-thickness defect (perforation), localized inflammation of the abdominal lining (peritonitis), and tissue death (gangrene). Importantly, there is no collection of pus (abscess) associated with this severe appendiceal pathology.

Use this code when documentation explicitly states acute appendicitis with perforation, localized peritonitis, and gangrene, and specifically denies the presence of an abscess. This typically occurs in patients presenting with severe right lower quadrant pain, fever, and signs of peritoneal irritation, confirmed by imaging and intraoperative findings.

• Ensure documentation clearly differentiates localized peritonitis from generalized peritonitis, as separate codes exist.
• Verify the absence of an abscess; if present, a different code for appendicitis with abscess would be more appropriate.
• This code represents a severe form of appendicitis and often requires emergent surgical intervention.