Acquired total absence of pancreas

This code signifies the complete and permanent absence of the pancreas, which was not present at birth but developed later in life. This condition typically results in severe endocrine and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, requiring lifelong management.

This code is appropriate for patients who have undergone a total pancreatectomy, often due to conditions like pancreatic cancer, severe recurrent pancreatitis, or extensive pancreatic trauma. It should be used to document the acquired anatomical absence of the organ, regardless of the underlying reason for its removal.

• Always code the underlying reason for the pancreatectomy (e.g., C25.9 for pancreatic cancer) in addition to this code.
• Do not use this code for congenital absence of the pancreas; a different code would be appropriate for such cases.
• Ensure documentation clearly states "total" pancreatectomy or "total absence" to support the specificity of this code.