Small Bowel Obstruction ICD-10 Code: K56.60
Last updated: January 4, 2026
Small bowel obstruction is coded using the K56 category. The code depends on the cause and completeness of the obstruction.
SBO Code Selection
| Code | Description | Use When |
|---|---|---|
| K56.60 | Unspecified intestinal obstruction | Cause not documented |
| K56.50 | Intestinal adhesions with obstruction | Adhesive SBO |
| K56.51 | Intestinal adhesions with partial obstruction | Partial adhesive SBO |
| K56.52 | Intestinal adhesions with complete obstruction | Complete adhesive SBO |
| K56.69 | Other intestinal obstruction | Hernia, tumor, etc. |
| K56.7 | Ileus, unspecified | Paralytic ileus |
Obstruction Etiology Codes
| Cause | Code |
|---|---|
| Adhesions | K56.50-K56.52 |
| Hernia (inguinal) | K40.x with obstruction |
| Hernia (femoral) | K41.x with obstruction |
| Hernia (ventral/incisional) | K43.x with obstruction |
| Volvulus | K56.2 |
| Intussusception | K56.1 |
| Gallstone ileus | K56.3 |
| Fecal impaction | K56.41 |
Coding Tips
- Code etiology first: Adhesions (K56.5x), hernia (K40-K46), tumor (C/D codes)
- Partial vs complete: Document and code the degree of obstruction
- Paralytic ileus: Use K56.7, different from mechanical obstruction
- Post-op ileus: Consider K91.89 for postprocedural complications
Documentation Requirements
- Location: Small bowel vs large bowel (affects code)
- Etiology: Adhesions, hernia, tumor, volvulus
- Degree: Partial, complete, or unspecified
- Transition point on imaging
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ICD-10 code for small bowel obstruction?
K56.60 (Unspecified intestinal obstruction) is commonly used, but K56.50-K56.52 should be used for adhesive SBO, or specific codes for hernia-related obstruction.
How do I code SBO from adhesions?
Use K56.50 (adhesions with obstruction), K56.51 (partial), or K56.52 (complete) depending on the degree of obstruction documented.
What's the difference between SBO and ileus?
SBO (K56.60, K56.5x) is mechanical obstruction. Ileus (K56.7) is paralytic/functional, often post-operative. The mechanism differs.
Related Resources
Last updated: January 2026. Code data reflects ICD-10-CM 2026 version. This guide is for educational purposes only. Always verify codes against current official guidelines.