1. Home
  2. ICD-10-CM Codes List
  3. O00-O9A
  4. O60-O77
  5. Perineal laceration during delivery (O70)

Perineal laceration during delivery (O70)

The ICD-10 codes in the O70 category are specifically used to classify various degrees of perineal lacerations during delivery, ranging from minor skin tears to severe injuries involving the anal sphincter and rectal mucosa. These codes help document obstetric trauma to the perineum and vulva that occur as complications during childbirth.

The ICD-10 code O70 covers all perineal lacerations occurring during delivery, with more detailed subcodes describing the severity. For example, O70.0 indicates a first degree perineal tear, often called a vulval or labial tear, involving only the skin. The O70.1 code is used for second degree lacerations that affect the pelvic floor muscles. More severe third degree tears (O70.2 through O70.23) involve the anal sphincter, including its subtypes IIIa, IIIb, and IIIc. Fourth degree tears (O70.3) extend further to involve the anal and rectal mucosa. Additionally, O70.4 identifies an anal sphincter tear not associated with a third degree laceration, while O70.9 is reserved for unspecified or undetailed perineal lacerations. These distinctions guide accurate clinical coding for childbirth injuries, supporting precise documentation and appropriate care planning.

Instructional Notations

Includes

This note appears immediately under a three character code title to further define, or give examples of, the content of the category.

  • episiotomy extended by laceration

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.

  • obstetric high vaginal laceration alone O71.4