Failure in suture or ligature during surgical operation

This code signifies a complication arising from the failure of a suture or ligature during a surgical procedure. This could involve the breaking, loosening, or improper placement of the material used to tie off blood vessels or approximate tissues, leading to adverse outcomes.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates a problem with the suture or ligature itself during the operative session. This includes instances where a vessel re-bleeds due to a slipped ligature, or a wound dehiscence occurs intraoperatively because of suture failure.

• Always sequence this code after the primary complication it caused (e.g., hemorrhage, dehiscence).
• Ensure the documentation specifies that the failure occurred during the surgical operation, not postoperatively.
• Look for terms like "suture broke," "ligature slipped," or "suture line failed intraoperatively."