Minor laceration of inferior mesenteric artery, init encntr

Minor laceration of inferior mesenteric artery, initial encounter

📋Clinical Description

This code signifies a superficial tear or cut to the inferior mesenteric artery, which is a major blood vessel supplying the large intestine. A "minor" laceration implies a less severe injury compared to a complete transection or major rupture, often without significant compromise to blood flow.

🎯When to Use

This code is appropriate for the initial treatment of a patient presenting with a minor laceration of the inferior mesenteric artery, typically identified during diagnostic imaging or surgical exploration following abdominal trauma. It would be used for injuries resulting from penetrating trauma (e.g., stab wound) or blunt force trauma where the vessel is superficially damaged.

💡Coding Tips

Ensure documentation specifies "minor laceration" and "inferior mesenteric artery" to support this specific code.
Verify that this is the patient's initial encounter for this injury; subsequent care would use a different seventh character.
Always code associated external cause codes and other injuries as appropriate.

AI-generated reference — verify against official guidelines

Code Hierarchy

▲S35.231Minor laceration of inferior mesenteric artery

S35.231A(current)

Crosswalks

902.27ApproxICD-9

Same Category

S35Inj blood vessels at abdomen, low back and pelvis level S35.0Injury of abdominal aorta S35.00Unspecified injury of abdominal aorta S35.00XAUnspecified injury of abdominal aorta, initial encounter S35.00XDUnspecified injury of abdominal aorta, subsequent encounter