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K57.3 – Colon Diverticulitis | ICD-10 Code

K57.3 is the ICD-10 code for diverticulitis of the large intestine without perforation or abscess. Learn about causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.

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Things worth knowing about "K57.3"

K57.3 is the ICD-10 code for diverticulitis of the large intestine without perforation or abscess – an inflammation of small pouches in the colon wall.

What does K57.3 mean?

The ICD-10 code K57.3 stands for diverticulitis of the large intestine without perforation or abscess. Diverticulitis refers to the inflammation of diverticula – small, pouch-like protrusions of the intestinal lining that bulge outward through the muscular wall of the large intestine (colon). The code K57.3 is assigned when this inflammation occurs without serious complications such as a bowel perforation or an abscess (collection of pus).

Causes

Diverticula form primarily due to increased pressure inside the colon, often caused by a low-fiber diet and chronic constipation. When these pouches become inflamed, the condition is called diverticulitis. Contributing risk factors include:

Low-fiber diet
Older age (risk increases from age 40 onward)
Lack of physical activity
Obesity
Smoking
Frequent use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or aspirin

Symptoms

Typical symptoms of diverticulitis classified under K57.3 include:

Pain in the lower left abdomen (as the sigmoid colon is most commonly affected)
Fever and chills
Nausea and vomiting
Changes in bowel habits (diarrhea or constipation)
Tenderness and rigidity of the abdomen
Elevated inflammatory markers in blood tests (e.g., CRP, white blood cell count)

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is typically established through:

Physical examination: Tenderness and guarding in the lower abdomen
Blood tests: Detection of elevated inflammatory markers (CRP, leukocytes)
Abdominal ultrasound: Visualization of inflamed diverticula and surrounding tissue
Computed tomography (CT scan): The most accurate method to assess severity and rule out complications
Colonoscopy: Generally avoided during the acute phase, but recommended after inflammation resolves

Treatment

Mild cases (outpatient)

Uncomplicated diverticulitis (K57.3) without complications can often be managed on an outpatient basis:

Physical rest and adequate fluid intake
Low-fiber, easily digestible diet during the acute phase
Antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin/clavulanate or ciprofloxacin combined with metronidazole)
Pain relief with appropriate analgesics

Severe cases (inpatient)

Hospitalization is required when symptoms are severe or complications cannot be excluded:

Intravenous antibiotic therapy
Fasting and intravenous fluid administration
Close monitoring of inflammatory parameters

Long-term management

Following recovery from an acute episode, the following measures are recommended:

Increasing dietary fiber intake (vegetables, whole grains, legumes)
Regular physical activity
Achieving and maintaining a healthy body weight
For frequent recurrences: surgical resection of the affected bowel segment (sigmoidectomy)

Distinction from other K57 codes

The ICD-10 section K57 categorizes diverticular disease by location and presence of complications. K57.3 specifically describes uncomplicated diverticulitis of the large intestine. Related codes include K57.0 (small intestine), K57.2 (large intestine with perforation or abscess), and K57.9 (unspecified location).

References

World Health Organization (WHO): ICD-10 – International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th Revision. Volume 1, Chapter XI: Diseases of the Digestive System, K57.3. Geneva: WHO, 2019.
Strate L.L., Morris A.M.: Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, and Treatment of Diverticulitis. Gastroenterology, 2019; 156(5): 1282–1298. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2018.12.033.
Feuerstein J.D., Falchuk K.R.: Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 2016; 91(8): 1094–1104. doi:10.1016/j.mayocp.2016.03.012.

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