Stenosis of rectum and anus

This code signifies a pathological narrowing of the distal large intestine, specifically affecting the rectum and/or anus. This stricture can impede the normal passage of stool and may be congenital, inflammatory, or post-surgical in origin. Patients often present with symptoms such as constipation, tenesmus, and difficulty with defecation.

This code is appropriate for documenting a diagnosed stenosis or stricture involving the rectum and/or anus. Documentation should clearly indicate the presence of a narrowing in these specific anatomical areas, often confirmed by physical examination, anoscopy, colonoscopy, or imaging studies. Use this code when the primary diagnosis is the anatomical narrowing itself.

• Differentiate from other causes of obstructed defecation, such as fecal impaction or functional disorders, which have distinct codes.
• Specify the underlying cause of the stenosis (e.g., inflammatory bowel disease, post-surgical scar) with an additional code if known and documented.
• Do not use for congenital atresia or imperforate anus, which have specific codes within the congenital anomaly chapter.