Unilateral femoral hernia, with gangrene, recurrent
ICD-10 K41.41 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unilateral femoral hernia, with gangrene, recurrent.
A unilateral femoral hernia occurs when tissue protrudes through a weak spot in the femoral canal, located just below the inguinal ligament. This condition is particularly concerning when it becomes incarcerated or strangulated, leading to gangrene, which is the death of tissue due to a lack of blood supply. Patients typically present with a bulge in the groin area, accompanied by pain, nausea, and vomiting. The anatomy involved includes the femoral canal, femoral vein, and surrounding soft tissues. Disease progression can lead to severe complications, including bowel obstruction and necrosis of the affected tissue. Diagnostic considerations include physical examination, imaging studies such as ultrasound or CT scans, and assessment of symptoms. A recurrent femoral hernia indicates a previous surgical repair that has failed, necessitating careful evaluation of the surgical history and potential risk factors for recurrence, such as obesity or connective tissue disorders.
Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply
Various clinical presentations within this specialty area
Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines
Standard ICD-10-CM documentation requirements apply
Various clinical presentations within this specialty area
Follow specialty-specific billing guidelines
K41.41 specifically covers unilateral femoral hernias that are recurrent and have developed gangrene. This includes cases where the hernia has become incarcerated, leading to compromised blood flow and subsequent tissue necrosis.
K41.41 should be used when there is a confirmed diagnosis of a recurrent unilateral femoral hernia with gangrene. It is crucial to differentiate it from K41.0, which does not involve gangrene, and K41.9, which is unspecified.
Documentation must include a detailed history of the patient's previous hernia repairs, clinical findings indicating gangrene, imaging studies confirming the diagnosis, and any surgical notes detailing the procedure and findings.
