Learn about Colon Obstruction, also known as Bowel Obstruction or Intestinal Obstruction, including clinical documentation, medical coding, and healthcare best practices. This resource provides information on diagnosing and managing Colon Obstruction for healthcare professionals, covering symptoms, causes, and treatment options. Find reliable information on Bowel Obstruction and Intestinal Obstruction diagnosis codes and improve your clinical documentation for accurate medical coding.
Also known as
Paralytic ileus and intestinal obstruction without hernia
Covers various types of intestinal obstruction, including paralytic ileus.
Other and unspecified intestinal obstruction
Includes unspecified intestinal obstructions and those not classified elsewhere.
Postoperative ileus
Specifically designates ileus following a surgical procedure.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the colon obstruction due to a malignancy?
Yes
Is the obstruction in the colon?
No
Is the obstruction due to intussusception?
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Blockage of the colon, preventing stool passage. |
| Blockage in the small intestine, hindering digestion. |
| Impaired bowel motility mimicking obstruction. |
Coding C18.9 (Unspecified Obstruction of Colon) without specifying location or cause lacks specificity for proper reimbursement.
Incorrectly coding partial (K56.6) vs. complete (K56.5) obstruction impacts severity and resource utilization documentation.
Failing to capture underlying causes (e.g., neoplasm, diverticulitis) or complications (e.g., perforation) affects DRG assignment.
Q: What are the most reliable clinical indicators for differentiating partial vs. complete colon obstruction in adults presenting with acute abdominal pain?
A: Differentiating partial from complete colon obstruction requires a thorough clinical evaluation. While complete obstruction often presents with obstipation (absence of stool and flatus), partial obstruction may still allow for some passage of gas or stool, making the diagnosis more challenging. Reliable indicators for complete obstruction include a lack of air in the rectum on digital rectal examination and the absence of recent bowel movements. Radiographic findings, such as a dilated colon proximal to the obstruction with a collapsed distal segment on abdominal X-ray or CT, are crucial for confirmation. In partial obstruction, some air or contrast may still pass beyond the point of narrowing. Consider implementing a standardized diagnostic approach that combines patient history (including bowel habits, pain characteristics, and vomiting), physical exam findings, and imaging results to accurately assess the degree of obstruction. Explore how incorporating serial abdominal exams and repeat imaging can help monitor the progression and response to treatment. For equivocal cases, a surgical consult is warranted.
Q: How can I effectively manage a patient with suspected colon obstruction while awaiting surgical consultation, and what are the key red flags to monitor for complications?
A: Managing a patient with suspected colon obstruction prior to surgical consultation involves several key steps. First, ensure adequate hydration and electrolyte balance through intravenous fluids to address potential dehydration from vomiting and bowel distension. Nasogastric decompression with a nasogastric tube can help relieve nausea, vomiting, and abdominal distension. Pain management is essential, but avoid opioids in the initial stages as they can mask important clinical findings. Closely monitor vital signs, including heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature, for any signs of deterioration. Key red flags for complications include increasing abdominal pain, fever, tachycardia, hypotension, and altered mental status, which may indicate bowel ischemia, perforation, or sepsis. Learn more about the importance of frequent reassessment and clear communication with the surgical team to ensure timely intervention if the patient's condition worsens.
Patient presents with symptoms consistent with colon obstruction, including abdominal pain, distension, nausea, and vomiting. The patient reports decreased bowel movements and absent flatus, suggestive of obstipation. On physical examination, the abdomen is tympanitic with tenderness to palpation. High-pitched bowel sounds were auscultated. Differential diagnosis includes bowel obstruction, intestinal obstruction, large bowel obstruction, and colonic pseudo-obstruction (Ogilvie syndrome). The patient's medical history is significant for [insert relevant past medical history, e.g., abdominal surgery, diverticulitis, colon cancer]. Initial laboratory studies including complete blood count (CBC), comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), and lactic acid were ordered to evaluate for infection, electrolyte imbalances, and ischemia. Abdominal X-ray revealed dilated loops of large bowel proximal to the suspected obstruction site, supporting the diagnosis of colon obstruction. Computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen and pelvis with intravenous contrast is recommended for further evaluation and to determine the precise location and cause of the obstruction. The patient's current condition warrants hospitalization for bowel rest, nasogastric tube decompression, intravenous fluid resuscitation, and pain management. Surgical consultation is advised to determine the need for surgical intervention depending on the etiology of the obstruction and the patient's response to conservative management. The severity of the obstruction, potential complications such as bowel perforation or ischemia, and the patient's overall clinical status will be closely monitored. Diagnosis: Colon obstruction (ICD-10: K56.6).