ICD-10 Code K46.1 – Unspecified abdominal hernia with gangrene (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K46.1 – Unspecified abdominal hernia with gangrene
What it is
This code identifies an abdominal hernia that has become gangrenous, meaning the trapped tissue has lost blood supply and is dying. Use it when the hernia site is not otherwise specified in the record.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include a painful, nonreducible hernia with signs of strangulation or tissue necrosis. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for evidence of gangrene and the hernia location.
When to use this code
Use K46.1 when documentation clearly states an abdominal hernia with gangrene and does not identify a more specific hernia type or site. This applies to coding from operative notes, discharge summaries, or problem lists when the diagnosis is confirmed. If the record only says “incarcerated” or “strangulated” without gangrene, check documentation.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for abdominal hernias without gangrene, even if they are painful or incarcerated. Do not use it when a more specific hernia code is documented.
Coding tip
Confirm both gangrene and the unspecified abdominal hernia wording before assigning K46.1.