Learn about sigmoid colonic diverticulitis, including clinical documentation, ICD-10 code K57.31, diagnosis, treatment, symptoms, and complications. Find information for healthcare professionals on diverticulitis of the sigmoid colon, acute diverticulitis, and chronic diverticulitis management. Understand medical coding guidelines, clinical criteria, and best practices for documenting sigmoid diverticulitis in patient charts. Explore resources on diverticular disease, colonic inflammation, and abdominal pain related to sigmoid diverticulitis.
Also known as
Diverticulitis of sigmoid colon
Inflammation of pouches in the sigmoid colon wall.
Diverticulitis, unspecified
Inflammation of intestinal pouches, location not specified.
Diverticulitis of colon, unspecified
Inflammation of pouches within the colon, exact site unknown.
Diverticular disease of intestine
Condition characterized by pouches forming in the intestine.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the sigmoid diverticulitis with perforation?
Yes
Is there peritonitis?
No
Is there an abscess?
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Sigmoid colon diverticulitis |
| Diverticulosis of colon |
| Generalized peritonitis |
Coding diverticulitis without specifying sigmoid location when documented leads to lower reimbursement and data inaccuracy. Use K57.32.
Coding diverticulitis based on symptoms alone without confirmatory imaging or diagnostic criteria risks overcoding and compliance issues. Query physician.
Failing to code associated complications like abscess (K57.33) or peritonitis (K65.0) with sigmoid diverticulitis leads to lost revenue and inaccurate severity reflection.
Q: How can I differentiate between uncomplicated and complicated sigmoid colonic diverticulitis in a patient presenting with acute left lower quadrant pain, using CT imaging findings?
A: Differentiating uncomplicated from complicated sigmoid colonic diverticulitis hinges on identifying signs of perforation, abscess, fistula, or obstruction on CT imaging. Uncomplicated diverticulitis typically presents with colonic wall thickening (>4mm), pericolonic fat stranding, and sometimes small pockets of gas. Complicated diverticulitis, however, will demonstrate additional findings like extraluminal air (perforation), a fluid collection with a defined wall (abscess), a communication tract to another organ (fistula), or signs of bowel obstruction like dilated proximal colon. Consider implementing a standardized CT reporting template for diverticulitis to ensure consistent evaluation of these critical findings. Explore how diagnostic imaging can be optimized for accurate risk stratification in diverticulitis management.
Q: What are the most effective evidence-based antibiotic treatment strategies for acute uncomplicated sigmoid colonic diverticulitis in an outpatient setting, considering patient factors and antibiotic resistance patterns?
A: Outpatient antibiotic treatment for uncomplicated sigmoid colonic diverticulitis should be tailored to patient-specific factors, such as allergy status, comorbid conditions, and local antibiotic resistance patterns. Current guidelines suggest that antibiotics may not be routinely necessary for mild, uncomplicated cases. However, when antibiotics are indicated, amoxicillin-clavulanate, a fluoroquinolone combined with metronidazole, or trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole are common first-line options. For patients with penicillin allergies, metronidazole combined with a fluoroquinolone or doxycycline can be considered. Treatment duration typically ranges from 7-10 days. Learn more about emerging research on the role of probiotics and dietary modifications in preventing recurrence. Consider implementing local antibiotic stewardship guidelines to minimize resistance development.
Patient presents with complaints consistent with sigmoid diverticulitis. Symptoms include left lower quadrant abdominal pain, described as cramping or steady, accompanied by tenderness to palpation. Patient reports altered bowel habits, including constipation or diarrhea, and may exhibit nausea, vomiting, and fever. Physical examination reveals localized guarding and rebound tenderness in the left lower quadrant. Differential diagnoses include irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, and colon cancer. Laboratory findings demonstrate leukocytosis with a left shift. Computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen and pelvis with intravenous contrast confirms the diagnosis of acute uncomplicated sigmoid diverticulitis, demonstrating bowel wall thickening, pericolic fat stranding, and diverticula. Treatment plan includes bowel rest, a clear liquid diet, and oral antibiotic therapy with metronidazole and ciprofloxacin. Patient education provided on diverticulitis management, including dietary modifications, hydration, and follow-up care. Patient will be monitored for complications such as abscess formation, perforation, and peritonitis. Return to normal diet will be gradual as symptoms improve. Follow-up appointment scheduled in one week to reassess clinical status and consider colonoscopy after resolution of acute inflammation.