ICD-10-CM 2027
ICD-10 code for burst stitches or sutures
Disruption of external operation (surgical) wound, not elsewhere classified
From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Burst stitches or sutures (complication of surgery)”. Page updated September 29, 2026.
About coding burst stitches or sutures
The ICD-10-CM code for burst stitches or sutures is T81.31 (Disruption of external operation (surgical) wound, not elsewhere classified). The official index lists 4 more specific codes, so check the documentation for details such as type, cause, site or severity before settling on T81.31.
Within T81.3 (disruption of wound, not elsewhere classified), T81.31 is specifically for disruption of external operation (surgical) wound, not elsewhere classified. Related codes cover wound, unspecified (T81.30), internal operation (surgical) wound, not elsewhere classified (T81.32) and traumatic injury wound repair (T81.33).
Codes in this range require a 7th character: A for initial encounter, D for subsequent encounter and S for sequela. Use placeholder "X" characters to fill any empty positions before the 7th character.
Don't report T81.31 together with the conditions in its Excludes1 note: dehiscence of amputation stump (T87.81).
More specific burst stitches or sutures codes (official index)
- external operation wound T81.31 — Disruption of external operation (surgical) wound, not elsewhere classified
- internal operation wound T81.328 — Disruption or dehiscence of closure of other specified internal operation (surgical) wound
- abdominal wall muscle or fascia T81.321 — Disruption or dehiscence of closure of internal operation (surgical) wound of abdominal wall muscle or fascia
- specified NEC T81.328 — Disruption or dehiscence of closure of other specified internal operation (surgical) wound
Don't confuse with (Excludes1 for T81.31)
- dehiscence of amputation stump (T87.81)
Common questions about burst stitches or sutures ICD-10 codes
What is the ICD-10 code for burst stitches or sutures?
- T81.31 — Disruption of external operation (surgical) wound, not elsewhere classified (a header code; report a more specific subcode). More specific codes apply when the documentation supports them: T81.31, T81.328, T81.321, T81.328.
What is the ICD-10 code for external operation wound burst stitches or sutures?
- T81.31 — Disruption of external operation (surgical) wound, not elsewhere classified (header code; choose a more specific subcode).
What is the ICD-10 code for internal operation wound burst stitches or sutures?
- T81.328 — Disruption or dehiscence of closure of other specified internal operation (surgical) wound (header code; choose a more specific subcode).
Is T81.31 billable?
- No. T81.31 is a header code. Report one of its more specific subcodes instead.