Surgical Wound Dehiscence

It is the partial or complete separation of the edges of a surgical wound that had been closed, occurring either at the skin surface or, more seriously, in the deeper layers.

Risk factors include infection, poor nutrition, obesity, diabetes, smoking, increased pressure on the wound (from coughing or straining), and certain medications like steroids that impair healing.

Visible separation of wound edges, increased pain, drainage or discharge from the wound, and, if deeper layers are affected, a sensation of something giving way, sometimes with visible internal tissue.

Superficial dehiscence is usually manageable, but deeper dehiscence, particularly of an abdominal wound, can be a surgical emergency risking infection or organs protruding through the wound, needing urgent treatment.

Yes, treatment depends on severity: superficial separation may be managed with wound care and dressings, while deeper dehiscence often needs urgent surgical repair.

Management ranges from specialised wound dressings and care for superficial cases, to urgent surgical re-closure for deeper dehiscence, along with treating any underlying infection or contributing factor.

This varies by severity, but healing can take considerably longer than the original expected recovery, sometimes several additional weeks, particularly if surgical repair or ongoing specialised wound care is needed.

Following postoperative activity restrictions, managing risk factors like blood sugar control and nutrition, avoiding smoking, and promptly reporting any signs of wound problems can help reduce the risk.

Seek emergency care immediately for a wound that is visibly opening, especially with visible internal tissue or organs, or increasing pain and discharge, as this needs urgent surgical assessment.