N35.11
Postinfective urethral stricture, not elsewhere classified, male
Clinical Classification Guidelines
Medical Intelligence & Overview
Postinfective urethral stricture is a condition characterized by the narrowing of the urethra, typically resulting from previous infections. Specifically, this diagnosis pertains to males who have experienced urethral strictures following an infection, which can hinder normal urine flow and cause discomfort. Recognizing and understanding this condition can help facilitate appropriate medical attention and management, aiding in improved quality of life for affected individuals.
Causes & Symptoms
Clinical Causes: History of urinary tract infections (UTIs) Previous urethritis, often caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as gonorrhea or chlamydia Trauma or injury to the urethra Previous urethral surgeries or procedures Chronic inflammation leading to scar tissue formation
Key Symptoms: Difficulty starting urination Weak or intermittent urinary stream Dribbling at the end of urination Feeling of incomplete bladder emptying Frequency or urgency of urination Discomfort or pain during urination Recurrent urinary tract infections
Diagnostic & Treatment
Diagnosis Path: Urinalysis to detect infection or blood in the urine Uroflowmetry to measure urine flow rate and flow pattern Retrograde urethrography (RUG) — an imaging test using X-rays to visualize the urethra Cystoscopy — inserting a thin camera into the urethra for direct visualization Urethral calibration to assess the degree of narrowing
Treatment Protocols: Urethral dilation, which gradually enlarges the narrowed area using dilators Urethrotomy, a surgical procedure to cut the scar tissue and open the stricture Urethroplasty, a more extensive surgical repair that involves reconstructing the urethra Antibiotic therapy if any concurrent infection is present Post-treatment monitoring to detect potential recurrence In some cases, long-term catheterization or stenting may be necessary
Clinical Advice & FAQs
Billing Guidance
Is N35.11 a billable ICD-10 code?
Yes, N35.11 is a specific, billable code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes.
Documentation
How do I report N35.11?
Clinical documentation must specify the nature of Postinfective urethral stricture, not elsewhere classified, male and any associated comorbidities for accurate reporting.
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