Bilateral inguinal hernia, with gangrene, recurrent

This code signifies a recurrent hernia located in both inguinal regions that has developed gangrene. Gangrene indicates tissue death due to a lack of blood supply, representing a severe and life-threatening complication of the hernia.

Apply this code when documentation clearly states a patient presents with a recurrent inguinal hernia affecting both sides, and there is explicit mention of gangrenous changes in the hernia contents or surrounding tissue. This typically occurs in emergency situations requiring immediate surgical intervention.

• Ensure documentation specifies "recurrent" and "bilateral" in addition to the presence of gangrene.
• Always sequence this code first if it is the primary reason for the encounter, as gangrene is a severe complication.
• Distinguish from incarcerated or strangulated hernias without documented gangrene, which would use different codes.