ICD-10 Code K91.86 – Retained cholelithiasis following cholecystectomy (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K91.86 – Retained cholelithiasis following cholecystectomy
What it is
K91.86 identifies gallstones that remain or are found after gallbladder removal. Use it when documentation shows retained cholelithiasis as a postoperative complication following cholecystectomy.
Clinical signs
Patients may have biliary-type pain, jaundice, or recurrent symptoms after surgery. Imaging or other evaluation may show stones in the bile ducts or residual gallstone disease; clinical features vary, refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use this code when the record clearly links the retained stone to a prior cholecystectomy. It fits postoperative encounters for persistent or recurrent symptoms caused by retained cholelithiasis. Confirm the provider documents the condition rather than a different biliary disorder.
Do not use for
Do not use it for uncomplicated gallstones before surgery or for nonspecific abdominal pain without documented retained stones. If the note only says “history of cholecystectomy,” check documentation.
Coding tip
Code K91.86 only when the provider documents retained stones after cholecystectomy, and verify whether the encounter is for current postoperative care.