Postcholecystectomy syndrome

This code identifies a collection of persistent or recurring symptoms that develop after a cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal). These symptoms can include abdominal pain, dyspepsia, nausea, vomiting, and jaundice, and may be due to various causes such as retained gallstones, bile duct injury, or sphincter of Oddi dysfunction. It signifies a complication or sequela following the surgical removal of the gallbladder.

Use this code when a patient presents with new or ongoing gastrointestinal symptoms after having undergone a cholecystectomy. Documentation should clearly link the patient's current symptoms to their prior gallbladder surgery, often noting the persistence or recurrence of symptoms previously attributed to gallbladder disease, or the development of new symptoms post-operatively.

• Always sequence this code as a secondary diagnosis, following the code for the specific manifestation of the syndrome (e.g., abdominal pain, dyspepsia).
• Ensure documentation explicitly states "postcholecystectomy syndrome" or describes symptoms occurring after cholecystectomy that are consistent with the syndrome.
• Do not confuse with codes for acute cholecystitis or other gallbladder conditions, which would be used prior to cholecystectomy.