Choleperitonitis

This code represents inflammation of the peritoneum specifically caused by the leakage of bile into the abdominal cavity. This typically results from a perforation or rupture of the gallbladder or bile ducts, leading to a chemical peritonitis that can become secondarily infected.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates peritonitis due to the presence of bile in the peritoneal space. This often occurs following complications of cholecystitis, trauma to the biliary system, or iatrogenic injury during surgical procedures. Supporting documentation should specify the biliary origin of the peritonitis.

• Always look for documentation specifying the cause of the peritonitis as bile.
• Do not confuse with other forms of peritonitis (e.g., K65.0 Generalized acute peritonitis) unless bile is explicitly stated as the etiology.
• Code any underlying biliary condition (e.g., cholecystitis, cholelithiasis) as an additional diagnosis.