ICD-10 Code G97.81 – Other Intraoperative Complications of Nervous System (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code G97.81 – Other intraoperative complications of nervous system
What it is
G97.81 identifies an unexpected complication involving the nervous system that occurs during a surgical procedure. Use it when the record documents an intraoperative nervous system complication not captured by a more specific code.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Typical notes may describe nerve injury, neurologic deficit, or other operative disruption recognized during the procedure.
When to use this code
Use this code when the surgeon documents a nervous system complication arising during surgery and no more specific ICD-10-CM code applies. It is appropriate for operative reports that clearly link the complication to the intraoperative period. Check documentation for the exact structure affected and whether another code is more specific.
Do not use for
Do not use it for postoperative neurologic complications or for preexisting neurologic disease unrelated to the operation. If the complication is described elsewhere with a more specific code, use that code instead.
Coding tip
Match the code to the operative note wording and confirm the complication occurred during surgery, not before or after.