N48.22 Cellulitis of corpus cavernosum and penis

ICD10CM code

#### Name of the Condition
- Cellulitis of corpus cavernosum and penis (ICD-10: N48.22)

#### Summary
- Cellulitis of the corpus cavernosum and penis is a bacterial skin infection that affects the penile tissue. It causes redness, swelling, and pain, and if untreated, can lead to serious complications.

#### Causes
- Usually caused by bacterial infections, most commonly from Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes. It can occur due to trauma, surgical procedures, or infections spreading from nearby tissues.

#### Risk Factors
- Risk factors include recent penile surgery or injury, diabetes, compromised immune system, and poor hygiene.

#### Symptoms
- Symptoms include redness, swelling, warmth, and pain in the penile area. There might also be fever and chills if the infection becomes systemic.

#### Diagnosis
- Diagnosis is primarily through physical examination and patient history. Blood tests and bacterial cultures may be conducted to identify the infection.

#### Treatment Options
- Treatment includes antibiotics to clear the infection. Severe cases might require intravenous antibiotics. Pain relief and anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed to manage symptoms.

#### Prognosis and Follow-Up
- With timely treatment, the prognosis is generally good. Regular follow-ups may be necessary to ensure the infection has fully cleared and to monitor for any potential recurrence.

#### Complications
- Potential complications include abscess formation, spread of the infection to other areas, and sepsis if left untreated.

#### Lifestyle & Prevention
- Maintaining good personal hygiene, managing chronic health conditions like diabetes, and seeking prompt treatment for any penile injuries can reduce the risk of cellulitis.

#### When to Seek Professional Help
- Seek immediate medical attention if experiencing severe pain, rapidly spreading redness, high fever, or any signs of systemic infection.

#### Additional Resources
- [American Urological Association](https://www.auanet.org)
- [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)](https://www.cdc.gov)

#### Tips for Medical Coders
- Ensure precise documentation of infection sites and specify bacterial involvement if known for accurate ICD coding. Be cautious of coding errors that may arise from confusing cellulitis with other penile conditions.

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