Perforation of bile duct

This code signifies a breach or rupture in the wall of a bile duct, allowing bile to leak into surrounding tissues. This can result from trauma, inflammation, infection, or complications of medical procedures such as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). The perforation can lead to serious complications like peritonitis or abscess formation.

Assign this code when documentation clearly indicates a perforation of any part of the biliary tree, including the common bile duct, hepatic ducts, or cystic duct. This diagnosis is typically supported by imaging studies (e.g., CT scan, MRI, cholangiography) showing extravasation of contrast or fluid collection, or by operative findings.

• Distinguish from bile duct obstruction (e.g., 576.2) or cholangitis (e.g., 576.1) unless perforation is a direct complication.
• Code any associated complications, such as peritonitis (e.g., 567.2x) or abscess (e.g., 567.2x), as secondary diagnoses.
• If the perforation is iatrogenic (e.g., post-procedural), ensure appropriate external cause codes (E-codes) are also reported.