Other injury of inferior mesenteric artery, init encntr

Other injury of inferior mesenteric artery, initial encounter

📋Clinical Description

This code signifies an injury to the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) that is not otherwise specified as a laceration, puncture, or other specific type of trauma. It encompasses various forms of damage to this major artery supplying the distal colon, such as contusions, hematomas, or partial tears, resulting from external forces or internal pressures.

🎯When to Use

Apply this code when documentation indicates trauma to the inferior mesenteric artery without specifying the exact nature of the injury, and it represents the initial treatment for this condition. This could include scenarios following blunt abdominal trauma, penetrating injuries, or iatrogenic damage during surgical procedures where the specific type of arterial injury is not detailed.

💡Coding Tips

Ensure the documentation explicitly states "inferior mesenteric artery" to differentiate from other abdominal arterial injuries.
Confirm that the encounter is the "initial encounter" for this specific injury. Subsequent care would require a different seventh character.
Do not use if a more specific injury type (e.g., laceration, puncture) of the IMA is documented; refer to other codes within the S35.23 series.

AI-generated reference — verify against official guidelines

Code Hierarchy

▲S35.238Other injury of inferior mesenteric artery

S35.238A(current)

Crosswalks

902.27ApproxICD-9

Same Category

S35Inj blood vessels at abdomen, low back and pelvis level S35.0Injury of abdominal aorta S35.00Unspecified injury of abdominal aorta S35.00XAUnspecified injury of abdominal aorta, initial encounter S35.00XDUnspecified injury of abdominal aorta, subsequent encounter