Obst due to fb acc left in body fol surgical operation, init

This code signifies a patient experiencing an obstruction caused by a foreign object that was unintentionally retained within their body after a surgical procedure. The obstruction is a direct consequence of the forgotten item, such as a surgical sponge or instrument.

Apply this code when a patient presents with symptoms of an obstruction, and diagnostic imaging or surgical exploration confirms the presence of a foreign body left behind during a prior surgery. This code is specifically for the initial encounter for this particular complication.

• Always sequence this code as a principal diagnosis if it is the primary reason for the encounter.
• Ensure documentation clearly states the foreign body was accidentally left in and is causing an obstruction.
• Remember the "A" seventh character denotes an initial encounter for this complication.