ICD-10 Code K66.0 – Peritoneal adhesions (postprocedural) (postinfection) (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K66.0 – Peritoneal adhesions (postprocedural) (postinfection)
What it is
K66.0 identifies fibrous bands in the peritoneal cavity that abnormally connect organs or tissues. These adhesions usually develop after surgery or infection and can restrict normal movement inside the abdomen.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Commonly reported findings include prior abdominal surgery or infection, chronic or intermittent abdominal pain, bloating, and symptoms of bowel obstruction when adhesions become clinically significant.
When to use this code
Use K66.0 when the record clearly documents peritoneal adhesions as a current diagnosis, especially if they are described as postprocedural or postinfective. Code it when the adhesions are relevant to the encounter, such as causing pain, obstruction, or operative findings.
Assign this code when the provider links the adhesions to prior surgery or infection and does not document another more specific intra-abdominal condition. Check documentation if the note only mentions a history of adhesions without current clinical relevance.
Do not use for
Do not use K66.0 for simple postoperative pain, bowel obstruction without documented adhesions, or adhesions in other body sites. Check documentation if the chart describes scar tissue generally but does not specify peritoneal adhesions.
Coding tip
Look for the provider’s exact wording on cause and clinical significance before assigning K66.0.