Unilateral femoral hernia, with obstruction, without gangrene
ICD-10 K41.3 is a used to indicate a diagnosis of unilateral femoral hernia, with obstruction, without gangrene.
K41.3 refers to a unilateral femoral hernia that is obstructed but does not present with gangrene. A femoral hernia occurs when tissue, often part of the intestine, protrudes through a weak spot in the femoral canal, which is located just below the inguinal ligament. Clinically, patients may present with a bulge in the groin area, pain, nausea, and vomiting, particularly if the hernia is obstructed. The anatomy involved includes the femoral canal, femoral vein, and surrounding structures. Disease progression can lead to incarceration, where the hernia becomes trapped, and obstruction, which can cause bowel ischemia if not addressed promptly. Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination and imaging studies such as ultrasound or CT scan to confirm the presence of the hernia and assess for complications. Prompt surgical intervention is often required to prevent further complications, including strangulation.
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
K41.3 specifically covers unilateral femoral hernias that are obstructed but do not exhibit gangrene. This includes cases where the hernia is incarcerated and leads to bowel obstruction without ischemic changes.
K41.3 should be used when there is a confirmed diagnosis of a unilateral femoral hernia with obstruction. It is important to differentiate from K41.0, which is for hernias without obstruction, and K41.9, which is unspecified.
Documentation should include clinical findings from the physical examination, imaging results confirming the presence of the hernia and obstruction, and details of any surgical interventions performed.
