Paralytic ileus and intestinal obstruction without hernia (K56) ICD-10-CM
The K56 code range covers paralytic ileus and intestinal obstruction without hernia with 22 ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes. 16 of them are billable and valid for claim submission in fiscal year 2026, and the category headers group them but cannot themselves be billed.
Type 1 Excludes
A type 1 excludes note is a pure excludes note. It means "NOT CODED HERE!" An Excludes1 note indicates that the code excluded should never be used at the same time as the code above the Excludes1 note. An Excludes1 is used when two conditions cannot occur together, such as a congenital form versus an acquired form of the same condition.
- congenital stricture or stenosis of intestine Q41 Q42
- cystic fibrosis with meconium ileus E84.11
- ischemic stricture of intestine K55.1
- meconium ileus NOS P76.0
- neonatal intestinal obstructions classifiable to P76
- obstruction of duodenum K31.5
- postprocedural intestinal obstruction K91.3
Type 2 Excludes
A type 2 excludes note represents "Not included here". An excludes2 note indicates that the condition excluded is not part of the condition represented by the code, but a patient may have both conditions at the same time. When an Excludes2 note appears under a code, it is acceptable to use both the code and the excluded code together, when appropriate.
- stenosis of anus or rectum K62.4
Codes in the K56 Range 22 codes · 16 billable
- K56 Paralytic ileus and intestinal obstruction without herniaNon-billable
- K56.0 Paralytic ileus
- K56.1 Intussusception
- K56.2 Volvulus
- K56.3 Gallstone ileus
- K56.4 Other impaction of intestineNon-billable
- K56.41 Fecal impaction
- K56.49 Other impaction of intestine
- K56.5 Intestinal adhesions [bands] with obstruction (postinfection)Non-billable
- K56.50 Intestinal adhesions [bands], unspecified as to partial versus complete obstruction
- K56.51 Intestinal adhesions [bands], with partial obstruction
- K56.52 Intestinal adhesions [bands] with complete obstruction
- K56.6 Other and unspecified intestinal obstructionNon-billable
- K56.60 Unspecified intestinal obstructionNon-billable
- K56.600 Partial intestinal obstruction, unspecified as to cause
- K56.601 Complete intestinal obstruction, unspecified as to cause
- K56.609 Unspecified intestinal obstruction, unspecified as to partial versus complete obstruction
- K56.69 Other intestinal obstructionNon-billable
- K56.690 Other partial intestinal obstruction
- K56.691 Other complete intestinal obstruction
- K56.699 Other intestinal obstruction unspecified as to partial versus complete obstruction
- K56.7 Ileus, unspecified
Clinical Terms in This Code Range
Definitions from the National Library of Medicine for conditions coded in the K56 range.
Fecal Impaction
Formation of a firm impassable mass of stool in the RECTUM or distal COLON.
Ileus
A condition caused by the lack of intestinal PERISTALSIS or INTESTINAL MOTILITY without any mechanical obstruction. This interference of the flow of INTESTINAL CONTENTS often leads to INTESTINAL OBSTRUCTION. Ileus may be classified into postoperative, inflammatory, metabolic, neurogenic, and drug-induced.
Intestinal Obstruction
Any impairment, arrest, or reversal of the normal flow of INTESTINAL CONTENTS toward the ANAL CANAL.
Intestinal Volvulus
A twisting in the intestine (INTESTINES) that can cause INTESTINAL OBSTRUCTION.
Intussusception
A form of intestinal obstruction caused by the PROLAPSE of a part of the intestine into the adjoining intestinal lumen. There are four types: colic, involving segments of the LARGE INTESTINE; enteric, involving only the SMALL INTESTINE; ileocecal, in which the ILEOCECAL VALVE prolapses into the CECUM, drawing the ILEUM along with it; and ileocolic, in which the ileum prolapses through the ileocecal valve into the COLON.
Meconium Ileus
Intestinal obstruction caused by congealed MECONIUM in the distal ILEUM and CECUM. It presents shortly after birth as a failure to pass meconium and frequently occurs in infants with CYSTIC FIBROSIS.
Rectal Prolapse
Protrusion of the rectal mucous membrane through the anus. There are various degrees: incomplete with no displacement of the anal sphincter muscle; complete with displacement of the anal sphincter muscle; complete with no displacement of the anal sphincter muscle but with herniation of the bowel; and internal complete with rectosigmoid or upper rectum intussusception into the lower rectum.
About the K56 Code Range
ICD-10 code K56 covers paralytic ileus and intestinal obstruction without hernia, describing various intestinal blockages that are not caused by hernias. This set of codes is essential for identifying specific types of intestinal obstruction and related conditions.
The section includes codes like K56.0 for paralytic ileus, also known by terms such as postoperative paralytic ileus and neonatal obstruction of intestine, which refers to the paralysis of intestinal muscles preventing movement. K56.1 identifies intussusception, or telescoping of intestine segments, with synonyms like ileocolic intussusception and rectal prolapse. K56.2 is used for volvulus, where the intestine twists, sometimes called sigmoid volvulus or torsion of intestine. Importantly, K56.3 covers gallstone ileus, highlighting obstruction caused by gallstones, while codes such as K56.41 specify fecal impaction, characterized by hardened stool blocking the colon.
Other codes, including K56.5 for intestinal adhesions with obstruction and K56.6 for unspecified obstructions, help detail blockages due to bands or unknown causes. The inclusion of K56.7 for ileus, unspecified covers cases where the cause of paralysis or obstruction is unclear. By using these precise ICD-10 codes for paralytic ileus and intestinal obstruction without hernia, medical coders can accurately capture a range of intestinal blockages, aiding clinical documentation and healthcare management.
Questions About This Page
How many billable codes are in the K56 range?
Of the 22 codes in this range, 16 are billable and valid for claim submission from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. Category header codes group them but cannot be reported on claims.
What does the K56 range classify?
The range classifies paralytic ileus and intestinal obstruction without hernia. Each code links to its own reference page with billing status, MS-DRG grouping, coding notes, and clinical information.
Related References
Source: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM Tabular List and order file, effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
