Crossing vessel and stricture of ureter w/o hydronephrosis

This code signifies an anatomical obstruction of the ureter caused by an aberrant blood vessel crossing over it, leading to a narrowing (stricture) of the ureter. Importantly, this condition is present without any associated swelling or dilation of the kidney due to urine backup (hydronephrosis). It represents a specific type of extrinsic ureteral obstruction.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates a ureteral stricture caused by a crossing vessel, and the physician explicitly states or implies the absence of hydronephrosis. This is typically diagnosed through imaging studies such as CT urograms, MRIs, or retrograde pyelograms. Use this code when the patient presents with symptoms like flank pain or recurrent UTIs, and the imaging confirms the described anatomical anomaly without kidney dilation.

• Ensure the documentation explicitly states "without hydronephrosis" or clearly indicates its absence.
• Do not use this code if there is any mention of infection associated with the crossing vessel and stricture; refer to the Excludes1 note.
• Consider sequencing this code as a primary diagnosis if it is the main reason for the encounter, or as a secondary diagnosis if it is an underlying condition contributing to other symptoms.