Peritoneal adhesions (postprocedural) (postinfection)

This code represents the formation of fibrous bands of tissue within the peritoneal cavity, which are typically a consequence of prior surgery or inflammation/infection. These adhesions can cause chronic abdominal pain or other non-obstructive symptoms by tethering organs together.

Use this code when documentation specifies peritoneal adhesions without evidence of intestinal obstruction. This diagnosis is often made based on patient history of prior abdominal surgery or infection, coupled with imaging findings or direct visualization during exploratory surgery.

• Always confirm the absence of intestinal obstruction; if present, a code from K56.5- should be used instead.
• Distinguish from female pelvic adhesions (N73.6) or postprocedural female pelvic adhesions (N99.4), which are classified elsewhere.
• Ensure documentation clearly links the adhesions to a prior procedure or infection if known, though the code itself does not require this specificity for its use.