O71.5 Other obstetric injury to pelvic organs

ICD10CM code

#### Name of the Condition
- **Other Obstetric Injury to Pelvic Organs (ICD-10: O71.5)**

#### Summary
- This condition refers to injuries or trauma to the pelvic organs that occur as a result of childbirth. These injuries can affect organs such as the bladder, urethra, or rectum and are considered separate from routine injuries experienced during delivery.

#### Causes
- The condition typically arises due to complications during the delivery process, such as prolonged labor, the use of forceps, or unusually large fetal size, which can lead to excessive strain or physical trauma to the pelvic organs.

#### Risk Factors
- Risk factors include prolonged labor, the use of delivery aids like forceps or vacuum extraction, multiple births, and the presence of a large baby. Previous pelvic surgeries or injuries may also elevate risk.

#### Symptoms
- Symptoms can vary depending on the specific organ affected but may include pelvic pain, bleeding, urinary incontinence, or difficulty with bowel movements.

#### Diagnosis
- Diagnosis is often made through physical examination and imaging studies such as ultrasound or MRI to assess the extent of organ damage. Patient history and symptom description also play a critical role.

#### Treatment Options
- Treatment may involve surgical repair of the damaged organ, physical therapy to restore pelvic function, and medications to manage pain or infection. Each treatment is tailored to address the specific injury and its severity.

#### Prognosis and Follow-Up
- The prognosis largely depends on the severity of the injury and the success of treatment. Many cases resolve with appropriate intervention. Regular follow-up is essential to monitor recovery and prevent complications.

#### Complications
- Untreated injuries could lead to chronic pain, ongoing urinary or fecal incontinence, infections, or fistula formation between organs.

#### Lifestyle & Prevention
- Adequate prenatal care, preparation for delivery, and choosing appropriate delivery methods can reduce risk. Pelvic floor exercises during pregnancy may also help strengthen the area.

#### When to Seek Professional Help
- Immediate medical attention should be sought if there is severe pain, significant bleeding, urinary difficulties, or any other distressing symptoms after childbirth.

#### Additional Resources
- [American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)](https://www.acog.org/)
- [March of Dimes: Childbirth Conditions](https://www.marchofdimes.org)

#### Tips for Medical Coders
- Ensure to differentiate between routine obstetric lacerations and more severe injuries coded under O71.5.
- Verify documentation for specific organ injuries to ensure accurate coding.
- Common coding errors to avoid include misclassifying routine childbirth injuries as obstetric injuries.

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