Acute duodenal ulcer with perforation

This code signifies a rapidly developing ulceration in the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine, that has eroded completely through the duodenal wall. This perforation allows gastrointestinal contents to leak into the abdominal cavity, leading to peritonitis. It represents an acute, life-threatening abdominal emergency requiring immediate medical intervention.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates an acute duodenal ulcer with evidence of perforation, such as free air under the diaphragm on imaging, peritonitis on physical exam, or surgical confirmation of a duodenal wall defect. This typically occurs in patients presenting with sudden, severe abdominal pain, often with signs of shock.

• Distinguish from chronic duodenal ulcers with perforation (K26.5) or acute duodenal ulcers without perforation (K26.0).
• Always sequence this code as the primary diagnosis when it is the reason for the encounter.
• Ensure documentation specifies "acute" and "perforation" to support code assignment.