2025 ICD-10-CM code K40.4
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Deletion Date: N/A Hernia - Hernia Diseases of the digestive system Feed
Unilateral or unspecified inguinal hernia with gangrene.
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances of the procedure, such as the location and extent of the surgery.
Surgical repair of a strangulated inguinal hernia with gangrene is medically necessary to prevent life-threatening complications such as bowel necrosis, peritonitis, and sepsis.Prompt treatment is critical for preserving bowel viability and patient survival.
Diagnosis and treatment of the hernia and gangrene; this would involve surgical repair of the hernia and addressing the gangrenous tissue.Post-operative care and monitoring are also the responsibility of the physician.
In simple words: This code describes a serious type of hernia in the groin where part of the intestine pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles.A serious complication called gangrene (tissue death due to lack of blood) is also present, requiring immediate medical care.
This ICD-10-CM code classifies a unilateral or unspecified inguinal hernia complicated by gangrene.An inguinal hernia is a protrusion of abdominal contents through a weakness in the abdominal wall in the inguinal region (groin).Gangrene indicates the death of tissue due to lack of blood supply, a serious complication requiring prompt medical attention.
Example 1: A 65-year-old male presents with a painful, swollen right groin mass, with signs of tissue necrosis (dark discoloration, foul odor). Examination reveals a strangulated right inguinal hernia with gangrene. Emergency surgical repair is indicated., A 70-year-old female with a history of recurrent left inguinal hernia presents with sudden onset of severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Physical examination reveals a tender, irreducible hernia with signs of gangrene. Immediate surgical intervention is required., A 50-year-old male presents with a painless, reducible right inguinal hernia that has recently developed signs of gangrene. This requires immediate surgical intervention to prevent further complications.
Complete history and physical examination; detailed description of the hernia (location, size, reducibility); documentation of signs and symptoms of gangrene (pain, discoloration, swelling, tenderness, loss of tissue integrity); imaging studies (ultrasound, CT scan) to confirm diagnosis and assess the extent of gangrene; operative report including details of the surgical procedure and findings; pathology report if tissue sample was obtained; post-operative progress notes.
** This code should only be used when gangrene is present.If the hernia is not strangulated, a different code is required.Careful clinical documentation is essential for appropriate code assignment.
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:General Surgery, Vascular Surgery
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center