Short bowel syndrome with colon in continuity

This code describes a condition where a significant portion of the small intestine has been surgically removed or is congenitally absent, leading to malabsorption, and the colon remains connected to the remaining digestive tract. This anatomical configuration allows for some colonic absorption of water and electrolytes, which can mitigate the severity of malabsorption compared to cases without a colon in continuity.

Use this code for patients diagnosed with short bowel syndrome where surgical or congenital factors have resulted in a shortened small intestine, and the large intestine (colon) is still functionally connected to the remaining small bowel. Documentation should clearly specify the presence of short bowel syndrome and explicitly state that the colon is in continuity.

• Differentiate from short bowel syndrome without colon in continuity (K90.822) or unspecified (K90.829).
• Ensure documentation specifies the anatomical configuration of the remaining bowel.
• Consider sequencing with codes for the underlying cause of the short bowel syndrome (e.g., surgical resection, congenital anomaly).