ICD-10 Code K57.0 – Diverticulitis of small intestine with perforation and abscess (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K57.0 – Diverticulitis of small intestine with perforation and abscess
What it is
K57.0 identifies diverticulitis affecting the small intestine when the inflamed diverticulum has perforated and formed an abscess. Use it for documented small-bowel diverticular disease with these complications.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Commonly recorded findings include localized abdominal pain, signs of peritoneal irritation, and imaging or operative evidence of perforation with abscess.
When to use this code
Use K57.0 when the provider documents small-intestinal diverticulitis with both perforation and abscess. It also fits when imaging, surgery, or discharge diagnosis clearly confirms these complications. If the record only states diverticulitis without site or complication detail, check documentation before coding.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for uncomplicated diverticulitis, diverticulosis without inflammation, or diverticular disease in the colon. If the site is not the small intestine, choose the appropriate different code.
Coding tip
Code from the provider’s documented site and complication; when perforation or abscess is not clearly stated, query or check documentation.