Other specified abdominal hernia with gangrene

This code signifies an abdominal hernia, other than inguinal, femoral, or umbilical, that has developed gangrene. Gangrene indicates tissue death due to a lack of blood supply, representing a severe complication of the hernia. This condition typically presents as an acutely painful, irreducible hernia with signs of systemic toxicity.

Apply this code when documentation explicitly states an "other specified" abdominal hernia (e.g., spigelian, incisional, lumbar, obturator, epigastric) complicated by gangrene. This diagnosis requires clear physician documentation of both the hernia type and the presence of gangrenous changes in the affected tissue.

• Always confirm the specific type of abdominal hernia before assigning this code; "other specified" excludes inguinal, femoral, and umbilical.
• Ensure documentation clearly supports the presence of gangrene, not just incarceration or strangulation without tissue death.
• Consider sequencing this code as a principal diagnosis if it is the primary reason for the encounter and treatment.