N35.119
Postinfective urethral stricture, not elsewhere classified, male, unspecified
Clinical Classification Guidelines
Medical Intelligence & Overview
Postinfective urethral stricture is a condition characterized by the narrowing of the urethra, the tube responsible for carrying urine from the bladder out of the body. In males, this narrowing often occurs after an infection and can cause difficulties with urination. Specifically classified under ICD-10 code N35.119, this condition is not further specified elsewhere and commonly affects men of various ages. Understanding its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and general treatment options can help in managing this health issue effectively.
Causes & Symptoms
Clinical Causes: Previous urethral or urinary tract infections, especially bacterial infections Inflammation and scarring resulting from infections such as gonorrhea or chlamydia Trauma or injury to the urethra from accidents, medical procedures, or catheterization Chronic inflammation leading to tissue damage and narrowing of the urethra Certain medical conditions that result in tissue fibrosis in the urethra
Key Symptoms: Difficulty initiating urination or a weak urine stream Feeling of incomplete bladder emptying Urinary frequency and urgency Discomfort or pain during urination Blood in the urine, especially in advanced cases Repeated urinary tract infections Interrupted or spraying urine flow
Diagnostic & Treatment
Diagnosis Path: Patient history and physical examination, including inspection of the genital area Uroflowmetry to measure the rate and force of urination Post-void residual measurement to assess the amount of urine left in the bladder after urination Urethroscopy, a direct visual examination of the urethra using a small camera Retrograde urethrography, an imaging test where contrast dye is injected into the urethra to visualize narrowing or blockages
Treatment Protocols: Urethral dilation, a procedure to gently stretch the narrowed segment of the urethra Urethrotomy, an endoscopic surgery that incises the stricture to widen the urethra Surgical reconstruction (urethroplasty) for severe or recurrent strictures, involving removal or bypass of the scar tissue Management of underlying infections with appropriate antibiotics Regular follow-up to monitor for recurrence or complications
Clinical Advice & FAQs
Billing Guidance
Is N35.119 a billable ICD-10 code?
Yes, N35.119 is a specific, billable code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes.
Documentation
How do I report N35.119?
Clinical documentation must specify the nature of Postinfective urethral stricture, not elsewhere classified, male, unspecified and any associated comorbidities for accurate reporting.
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