ICD-10 Code K22.3 – Perforation of esophagus (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K22.3 – Perforation of esophagus
What it is
K22.3 identifies a hole or tear through the esophageal wall. It may be caused by injury, medical procedures, or disease, and it can allow contents to leak into surrounding tissues.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Commonly documented findings include chest or neck pain, swallowing difficulty, subcutaneous emphysema, or evidence of mediastinal contamination on imaging.
When to use this code
Use K22.3 when the provider documents an esophageal perforation or rupture. Apply it for confirmed traumatic, spontaneous, or iatrogenic perforation when the record does not specify a more exact code.
If the note only mentions suspected perforation, check documentation for confirmation before coding. Code the documented cause and any associated complications when they are clearly stated.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for esophagitis, reflux, or simple mucosal injury without perforation. Do not assume perforation from pain alone; check documentation.
Coding tip
Look for the provider’s final diagnosis and any stated cause, because perforation may be coded differently when trauma or a procedure is documented.