Postprocedural pelvic peritoneal adhesions

This code describes the formation of fibrous bands of tissue within the pelvic peritoneal cavity that develop as a direct consequence of a prior surgical or invasive procedure. These adhesions can cause various symptoms, including chronic pelvic pain, infertility, and bowel obstruction, by tethering organs together.

Use this code when documentation explicitly links pelvic peritoneal adhesions to a previous surgical intervention in the pelvic region. This includes procedures such as hysterectomy, oophorectomy, or appendectomy. The physician's notes should clearly state the postprocedural etiology of the adhesions.

• Differentiate from adhesions due to infection (N73.6) or those not specified as postprocedural (N73.6).
• Ensure the documentation specifies a prior procedure as the cause; otherwise, N73.6 may be more appropriate.
• Sequence this code as a secondary diagnosis when the adhesions are a complication of a primary condition or procedure.