Diaphragmatic hernia without mention of obstruction or gangrene

This code identifies a diaphragmatic hernia that is not complicated by obstruction or gangrene. It signifies a protrusion of abdominal organs into the chest cavity through an opening in the diaphragm, without acute complications such as bowel blockage or tissue death.

This code is appropriate for patients diagnosed with an uncomplicated diaphragmatic hernia, including congenital or acquired types, where there is no evidence of incarceration, strangulation, or other acute complications. Documentation should clearly state the presence of a diaphragmatic hernia and explicitly exclude obstruction or gangrene.

• Ensure documentation specifically rules out obstruction or gangrene; otherwise, a more specific code may be required.
• Distinguish from hiatal hernias, which involve the stomach protruding through the esophageal hiatus and are coded differently.
• If the hernia is congenital, consider additional codes from the 756.6x series to specify the type of congenital diaphragmatic anomaly.