AHA Coding Clinic® for ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS - 2026 Issue 2; Ask the Editor
Ghost Ileostomy
A patient with complicated diverticulitis of the sigmoid colon and a small pericolonic abscess was admitted for a laparoscopic sigmoidectomy with colorectal anastomosis. Once the sigmoidectomy and anastomosis were completed, a small anastomotic leak was found and repaired. A repeat exam showed no leak or bleeding at the anastomosis site. The provider then decided to create a “ghost” ileostomy. An opening was created in the terminal ileum mesentery to access the ileal loop, which was then passed through an abdominal incision at the potential site of the stoma and secured to the abdominal wall with enough slack to allow normal bowel function. Is the creation of a ghost ileostomy, also referred to as a potential ileostomy, coded separately or considered inherent to the laparoscopic sigmoidectomy? If reported separately, what is the correct ICD-10-PCS code assignment? ...
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