ICD-10 Code K40.0 – Bilateral inguinal hernia, with obstruction, without gangrene (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K40.0 – Bilateral inguinal hernia, with obstruction, without gangrene
What it is
This code identifies a bilateral inguinal hernia in which bowel or other tissue is trapped and not passing normally, but the tissue remains viable. Use it when both groins are involved and gangrene is not documented.
Clinical signs
You may see groin bulges on both sides, pain, tenderness, nausea, vomiting, or reduced bowel function. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for evidence of obstruction and confirmation that gangrene is absent.
When to use this code
Use K40.0 when the record clearly documents bilateral inguinal hernias with obstruction and no gangrene. This may appear in emergency, surgical, or inpatient notes describing incarcerated hernia with obstructive symptoms. If laterality, obstruction, or gangrene status is unclear, check documentation before coding.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for unilateral inguinal hernia, reducible hernia, or hernia without obstruction. Also avoid it when gangrene is documented, because a different code applies.
Coding tip
Confirm both laterality and complication status in the same encounter note before assigning K40.0.