Perirectal Abscess
A perirectal abscess is a collection of pus in the tissue around the rectum, which can cause pain, swelling, redness, and fever. It is usually caused by an infection of the anal glands or a tear in the lining of the anus. A perirectal abscess can be diagnosed by a physical examination and sometimes by imaging tests such as ultrasound or CT scan.
ICD 10 Code for Perirectal Abscess
The ICD 10 code for a perirectal abscess is K61.1. This code belongs to the category of K61 – Abscess of anal and rectal regions, which includes other types of abscesses such as anorectal, submucous, and ischiorectal. The code K61.1 also applies to perirectal cellulitis, which is an inflammation of the skin around the rectum.
The ICD 10 code for a perirectal abscess is a billable/specific code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes. It is part of the ICD 10 CM (Clinical Modification) system, which is used in the United States to classify diseases and health problems. The ICD 10 CM codes are updated annually and the latest version became effective on October 1, 2022.
The following table shows some of the related ICD 10 codes and their descriptions for perirectal abscesses:
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| K61 | Abscess of anal and rectal regions |
| K61.0 | Anorectal abscess |
| K61.1 | Rectal abscess |
| K61.2 | Anal abscess |
| K61.3 | Ischiorectal abscess |
| K61.4 | Intrasphincteric abscess |
| K61.5 | Supralevator abscess |
| K61.8 | Other anal and rectal abscesses |
| K61.9 | Anal and rectal abscess, unspecified |
Causes
A perirectal abscess is a common and painful condition that can affect anyone, but it is more prevalent in people with diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s disease, HIV/AIDS, or anal intercourse.
Symptoms
It is important to seek medical attention if you have symptoms such as fever, chills, severe pain in the rectal area, and difficulty passing stool or blood in the stool.
Treatment
The treatment for perirectal abscess depends on the size, location, and severity of the infection. It usually involves draining the pus and taking antibiotics to prevent complications such as fistula formation or sepsis. In some cases, surgery may be required to remove the infected tissue or create an opening for drainage.
If you have any questions or concerns about perirectal abscess or its ICD 10 code, please consult your doctor or health care provider.
Complications
Complications of perirectal abscess can include:
- Fistula Formation: A perirectal abscess can lead to the development of an abnormal connection between the abscess and nearby structures, such as the anal canal or skin. This connection is known as a fistula. Fistulas can cause ongoing drainage of pus or stool from the abscess, leading to discomfort and recurrent infections.
- Recurrence of Abscess: In some cases, perirectal abscesses can recur even after treatment. This may be due to underlying conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease, or inadequate drainage of the initial abscess.
- Cellulitis: If the infection from a perirectal abscess spreads beyond the immediate area, it can cause cellulitis. Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection characterized by redness, warmth, swelling, and tenderness of the affected area.
- Sepsis: In rare cases, a severe or untreated perirectal abscess can lead to sepsis, a potentially life-threatening condition. Sepsis occurs when the infection spreads throughout the body, causing a systemic inflammatory response. It can lead to organ dysfunction and can be fatal if not promptly treated.
- Anal Stricture: Prolonged or recurrent inflammation from perirectal abscesses can cause scarring and narrowing of the anal canal, leading to anal stricture. Anal stricture can result in difficulty with bowel movements, pain, and fecal incontinence.
References
(1) 2023 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K62.89 – The Web’s Free 2023 ICD-10-CM ….
(2) 2023 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K61.1: Rectal abscess.
(3) Icd 10 Code For Perirectal Abscess – DeKookGuide.