2025 ICD-10-CM code K44.1
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Hernia - Diaphragmatic hernia with gangrene XI Diseases of the digestive system Feed
Diaphragmatic hernia with gangrene. This condition involves the protrusion of an organ through the diaphragm, accompanied by tissue death due to loss of blood supply.
Medical necessity for procedures related to K44.1 is established by the presence of a life-threatening condition. Gangrene of the herniated organ represents a surgical emergency requiring immediate intervention to prevent sepsis and other potentially fatal complications.
Physicians responsible for diagnosing and managing K44.1, Diaphragmatic hernia with gangrene, typically include general surgeons, thoracic surgeons, and critical care specialists.They are responsible for assessing the patient's condition, ordering appropriate imaging studies (such as CT scans), determining the extent of the hernia and the presence of gangrene, and making decisions regarding surgical intervention.Post-operative care, including wound management and pain control, also falls under their purview.
In simple words: A diaphragmatic hernia with gangrene occurs when part of an organ in the belly pushes through a hole in the diaphragm, the muscle that separates the chest from the belly. The herniated tissue then starts to die due to lack of blood flow.
A diaphragmatic hernia with gangrene is a serious medical condition where a portion of an abdominal organ (such as the stomach or intestine) pushes through an opening in the diaphragm, the muscle separating the chest and abdomen.The "gangrene" component signifies that the herniated tissue has experienced necrosis (tissue death) due to compromised blood circulation.
Example 1: A 60-year-old male presents with severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and difficulty breathing.A CT scan reveals a portion of the stomach herniated through the diaphragm with signs of gangrene.The patient is diagnosed with K44.1 and undergoes emergency surgery to repair the hernia and remove the necrotic tissue., Following blunt trauma to the abdomen, a 35-year-old female develops a diaphragmatic hernia. Initially asymptomatic, she later experiences worsening abdominal pain and fever. Imaging shows the herniated intestine is now gangrenous. She requires surgery for hernia repair and resection of the affected bowel segment., A newborn infant is found to have a congenital diaphragmatic hernia. The hernia is initially managed conservatively. However, due to subsequent bowel strangulation and gangrene, the baby requires emergency surgery.
Thorough documentation for K44.1 should include imaging reports confirming the diaphragmatic hernia and the presence of gangrene, operative reports detailing the surgical procedure performed, and post-operative notes describing the patient's recovery and any complications.
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:General Surgery, Thoracic Surgery, Critical Care Medicine
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Emergency Room - Hospital