Bilateral femoral hernia, w obst, w/o gangrene, recurrent

This code signifies a recurrent femoral hernia affecting both sides of the groin, where the hernia contents are trapped, causing an obstruction. Importantly, there is no evidence of tissue death (gangrene) associated with this obstruction.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates a patient presents with a previously repaired femoral hernia that has recurred bilaterally, and imaging or clinical findings confirm bowel obstruction without signs of ischemia. This code is appropriate for patients requiring intervention for the obstructed, recurrent, bilateral femoral hernias.

• Ensure documentation specifies "recurrent" and "bilateral" to differentiate from initial or unilateral hernias.
• Verify the absence of gangrene; if gangrene is present, a different code from the K41.1 series would be appropriate.
• Always sequence this code as a primary diagnosis when the obstruction is the reason for the encounter.