Unspecified abdominal hernia (K46)

ICD-10 code K46 covers unspecified abdominal hernias, providing medical coders a way to classify hernias within the abdominal cavity when the precise type is not documented. These codes distinguish between hernias that cause complications like obstruction or gangrene and those that do not.

The ICD-10 code for unspecified abdominal hernia (K46) includes three main subcategories. Code K46.0 is used when the hernia leads to obstruction but not gangrene, commonly referred to by terms such as incarcerated or obstructed hernia of the abdominal cavity, including conditions like Richter's or strangulated hernias. Code K46.1 applies when gangrene is present, a serious complication sometimes known as hernia with gangrene or strangulated hernia with gangrene. Lastly, K46.9 is assigned to unspecified abdominal hernias without obstruction or gangrene, encompassing a range of presentations such as intra-abdominal hernias, epiplocele, and intermuscular hernias. These codes help accurately document the severity and nature of abdominal hernias for clinical and billing purposes.