Gangrene of gallbladder in cholecystitis

This code signifies the presence of tissue death (gangrene) affecting the gallbladder, occurring as a complication of cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder). It indicates a severe form of gallbladder inflammation where the tissue has become necrotic due to compromised blood supply or overwhelming infection.

Use this code when documentation explicitly states "gangrenous cholecystitis" or "cholecystitis with gangrene of the gallbladder." This diagnosis is typically supported by operative reports detailing necrotic changes in the gallbladder, or pathology reports confirming gangrenous tissue.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies gangrene as a complication of cholecystitis, not just severe inflammation.
• Do not confuse with simple acute cholecystitis (K81.0) or chronic cholecystitis (K81.1) without documented gangrene.
• Consider sequencing this code as the principal diagnosis if it is the primary reason for admission and treatment.