AHA Coding Clinic® for ICD-9 - 2010 Issue 1; Ask the Editor

Intravesicular Suture Complicating Surgery

A patient underwent a laparoscopic total hysterectomy. The surgeon performed a cystoscopy while the assistant closed the abdominal incisions. During the cystoscopy, the surgeon discovered a polydioxanone synthetic (PDS) suture in the posterior aspect of the bladder. Due to the heaviness of the suture, the surgeon was unable to cut it. The patient still under anesthesia had repeat laparoscopy, along with cutting and removing the previously placed sutures. New sutures were placed along the cuff. Another cystoscopy was done, which revealed an intact bladder. The surgeon listed “intravesicular suture” as a complication. What is the correct code assignment for intravesicular suture when specifically documented as a complication by the surgeon? ...

To read the full article, sign in and subscribe to AHA Coding Clinic® for ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS .

Thank you for choosing Find-A-Code, please Sign In to remove ads.