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2025 ICD-10-CM code K57.2

Diverticulitis of the large intestine with perforation and abscess.

Code K57.2 should be used only when perforation and abscess are present. If the diverticulitis involves both small and large intestines, K57.4 should be considered.Code K65.- (Peritonitis) is added if peritonitis is present.Use appropriate codes to describe any concomitant conditions.

Medical necessity is established by the presence of symptoms and signs consistent with complicated diverticulitis (perforation and abscess), supported by imaging studies showing the presence of perforation and abscess.The severity of symptoms, risk of complications (such as sepsis or peritonitis), and the patient's overall health status will guide treatment decisions, justifying the medical necessity of interventions such as surgery or percutaneous drainage.

Diagnosis and management of diverticulitis, including surgical intervention if necessary.This may involve reviewing patient history, performing physical examination, ordering imaging studies (CT scan, etc.), administering antibiotics, and/or performing surgery to repair perforation and drain abscess.

IMPORTANT:Consider K57.4 if diverticulitis affects both small and large intestines with perforation and abscess.K65.- (Peritonitis) may also be coded if applicable.

In simple words: This code describes a serious complication of diverticulitis, where a small pouch in the large intestine bursts, causing an infection with pus buildup (abscess).

Diverticulitis of the large intestine is characterized by inflammation and infection of diverticula (small pouches) in the wall of the large intestine.In this specific code (K57.2), the condition is complicated by perforation (rupture) of the diverticula and the formation of an abscess (a localized collection of pus).

Example 1: A 65-year-old patient presents with severe abdominal pain, fever, and elevated white blood cell count. A CT scan reveals diverticulitis of the sigmoid colon with perforation and a pericolic abscess. The patient undergoes emergency surgery to repair the perforation and drain the abscess., A 70-year-old female patient with a history of diverticulosis experiences sudden onset of severe left lower quadrant pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever.Physical exam reveals tenderness and guarding in the lower left abdomen. CT scan shows perforation of a sigmoid diverticulum and a small abscess.She is admitted for intravenous antibiotics and observation; surgery is deferred as the abscess is small and the patient is stable., An 80-year-old male patient with multiple comorbidities including diabetes and heart failure is hospitalized with symptoms consistent with diverticulitis.A CT scan reveals perforated diverticulitis with a large abscess.Due to significant comorbidities, the patient receives conservative management with intravenous antibiotics and close monitoring.Percutaneous drainage of the abscess is considered due to high surgical risk.

Complete medical history including prior episodes of diverticulitis. Results of physical exam documenting abdominal tenderness and guarding.Imaging studies (CT scan) demonstrating perforation and abscess.Laboratory results showing elevated white blood cell count and inflammatory markers.Detailed operative report if surgery was performed, including the approach (laparoscopic vs open), extent of resection, and drainage procedures.Documentation of antibiotic administration and response to treatment.

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