Peritoneal Adhesions J031

Current RMA Instruments:

Changes from previous Instruments:

ICD Coding:

• ICD-10-AM Codes: K66.0, N73.6, N73.6, and N99.4

Brief description

The peritoneum is a continuous transparent membrane which lines the abdominal and pelvic cavity and covers the abdominal and pelvic organs. Peritoneal adhesions are acquired permanent bands of fibrous tissue that form between organs or tissues in the abdominal and pelvic cavities. Adhesions can develop as a response to injury or an abnormal inflammatory reaction. 

Confirming the diagnosis

Adhesions are confirmed by diagnostic laparoscopy.  

To establish this diagnosis, the assessment and management will require involvement of a general surgeon or gynaecologist. 

Additional diagnoses covered by SOP

• Abdominal adhesions
• Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis) 
• Pelvic adhesions

Conditions not covered by SOP

• Congenital peritoneal adhesions

Clinical onset

Many adhesions do not cause symptoms and may be discovered incidentally during imaging or surgery. Clinical onset will at the time of diagnosis for asymptomatic adhesions. For symptomatic adhesions, individuals often present with chronic or intermittent pain, bowel obstruction, concerns related to infertility or dyspareunia (pain during intercourse). The clinical onset is the first clinical signs of this condition confirmed to be consistent with peritoneal adhesions by the treating specialist.

Clinical worsening

Asymptomatic adhesions require no treatment. Surgery may be required to treat symptomatic adhesions. Note that there are no clinical worsening factors for this SoP.