Other acute appendicitis without perforation, with gangrene

This code signifies an acute inflammation of the appendix that has progressed to gangrene (tissue death) but has not yet perforated. It indicates a severe form of appendicitis where the appendix tissue is necrotic, but the integrity of the appendiceal wall is still maintained.

Use this code when documentation clearly states acute appendicitis with gangrenous changes, but explicitly denies or does not mention perforation. This typically applies to patients presenting with classic appendicitis symptoms who undergo surgery, and intraoperative findings or pathology reports confirm gangrene without rupture.

• Ensure the documentation explicitly states "gangrene" or "gangrenous" and "without perforation."
• Do not use this code if perforation is documented; a different code from the K35.2- or K35.3- series would be appropriate.
• Distinguish carefully from K35.80 (Other acute appendicitis without perforation, without gangrene or abscess) and K35.890 (Other acute appendicitis without perforation, with abscess).