Disorders of retroperitoneum (K68)

Disorders of the retroperitoneum are captured under the ICD-10 code K68 and include a variety of conditions affecting the space behind the abdominal cavity. These codes are used to identify specific problems like abscesses, fibrosis, hematomas, and other less common retroperitoneal disorders, helping healthcare providers pinpoint exact diagnoses for treatment and documentation.

The ICD-10 code for retroperitoneal abscess (K68.1) covers infections in this area, with subcodes such as K68.11 for postprocedural retroperitoneal abscess and K68.12 for psoas muscle abscess, also known as iliopsoas abscess or muscle abscess of the thigh and hip. Other retroperitoneal abscesses fall under K68.19. Retroperitoneal fibrosis (K68.2) describes thickening and scarring of retroperitoneal tissue. Hematomas in this region, either traumatic or nontraumatic, are coded as K68.3. The code K68.9 is reserved for other retroperitoneal disorders like pneumoretroperitoneum, retroperitoneal cysts, or fat necrosis. Understanding these codes helps medical coders and clinicians accurately represent the nature and source of retroperitoneal conditions in medical records and billing.