Name of the Condition

• Acquired absence of lung (part of)
• Medical Term: Pneumonectomy (partial)

Summary

Acquired absence of lung (part of) refers to the surgical removal of a segment or lobe of the lung due to disease or injury, often performed to improve or save a patient’s life. This condition is documented using the ICD code Z90.2.

Causes

• Lung cancer is the primary reason for partial lung removal.
• Other causes include severe lung infections, pulmonary tuberculosis, or traumatic injury to the lung.

Risk Factors

• History of smoking or exposure to tobacco smoke.
• Chronic respiratory diseases such as COPD.
• Genetic predisposition to lung diseases.

Symptoms

• Shortness of breath.
• Reduced exercise capacity.
• Persistent cough.
• Chest discomfort or pain.

Diagnosis

• Pre-surgical imaging such as chest X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs.
• Pulmonary function tests to assess lung capacity and function.
• Blood tests to check overall health before surgery.

Treatment Options

• Surgery (lobectomy or segmentectomy) is the standard procedure.
• Post-surgical rehabilitation, including breathing exercises and physiotherapy.
• Medications to manage pain and prevent infections post-surgery.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• Patients can live a relatively normal life with careful management and rehabilitation.
• Regular follow-ups are essential to monitor lung function and detect any complications early.

Complications

• Infection or bleeding post-surgery.
• Decreased lung function, leading to reduced oxygenation.
• Risk of bronchopleural fistula.

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Smoking cessation significantly reduces the risk of lung disease.
• Engaging in regular physical activity to improve overall lung capacity.
• Maintaining a healthy diet rich in antioxidants to support lung health.

When to Seek Professional Help

• Persistent or worsening respiratory symptoms.
• Significant pain or signs of infection (fever, chills) following surgery.
• Sudden changes in breathing or oxygen levels.

Additional Resources

• American Lung Association: https://www.lung.org
• Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD): https://goldcopd.org

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure the procedure involving lung removal is documented accurately to code Z90.2.
• Be precise about which part of the lung was removed, as complete and partial lobectomies may have different codes.
• Avoid coding errors by cross-referencing with the surgical and diagnostic reports.