Postprocedural partial intestinal obstruction

This diagnosis code signifies a partial blockage of the intestines that occurs as a complication following a surgical or other invasive procedure. It indicates that the flow of intestinal contents is impeded, but not completely obstructed, due to a prior intervention. This condition can lead to symptoms such as abdominal pain, distension, nausea, and vomiting.

Assign this code when documentation clearly states a partial intestinal obstruction developed after a medical procedure. This includes scenarios where adhesions, strictures, or other sequelae of surgery are identified as the cause of the partial blockage. Ensure the medical record explicitly links the obstruction to a preceding procedure.

• Differentiate from complete postprocedural intestinal obstruction (K91.32) based on documentation of partial vs. complete blockage.
• Always sequence this code after the code for the underlying procedure if the procedure is still within the global period or being treated as a complication.
• Verify the documentation specifies "postprocedural" and "partial" to accurately assign this code.