Postprocedural complete intestinal obstruction

This code signifies a complete blockage of the intestinal tract that occurs as a direct consequence of a surgical or other invasive medical procedure. It indicates a total impediment to the passage of intestinal contents, arising post-intervention.

Apply this code when documentation clearly states a complete intestinal obstruction developed after a surgical procedure, such as abdominal surgery, hernia repair, or bowel resection. The physician's notes should explicitly link the obstruction to the preceding intervention.

• Differentiate from non-postprocedural intestinal obstructions (e.g., K56.50, K56.60).
• Ensure documentation specifies "complete" obstruction; partial obstructions are coded differently.
• Sequence this code as a secondary diagnosis if the primary reason for the encounter is the treatment of the obstruction itself, or as a primary diagnosis if the encounter is solely for managing this complication.