ICD-10 Code K31.5 – Obstruction of duodenum (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K31.5 – Obstruction of duodenum
What it is
K31.5 identifies blockage of the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine. It means food, fluid, or gastric contents cannot pass normally through this segment.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include upper abdominal pain, vomiting, bloating, and poor tolerance of oral intake. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for the cause and whether the obstruction is partial or complete.
When to use this code
Use K31.5 when the provider documents duodenal obstruction as the diagnosed condition. This applies whether the obstruction is due to intrinsic narrowing, compression, or another documented cause. Code it when the record supports obstruction of the duodenum, not just nonspecific nausea or abdominal pain.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for obstruction elsewhere in the gastrointestinal tract or for ileus without duodenal involvement. Check documentation if the note only describes gastric outlet obstruction, since the site may be coded differently.
Coding tip
Confirm the exact anatomic site in the provider note before assigning K31.5.