Wound Dehiscence Overview
What is wound dehiscence?
A person with wound dehiscence has a wound that has reopened, or come apart, after it has been closed surgically. Wound dehiscence may be caused by a wound infection, wound injury, poor wound healing, or failure of the material used to close the wound.
What are the symptoms of wound dehiscence?
Symptoms of wound dehiscence include separation of the wound edges, and redness or swelling of the skin around the wound. Additional symptoms may include fluid draining from the wound, or tissue protruding from the wound. 
How does the doctor treat wound dehiscence?
Treatment for wound dehiscence may include closing the wound with adhesive strips and stitches, or surgery to repair the wound. Additional treatment may include antibiotics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications for pain.
Continue to Wound Dehiscence Risk Factors
Last Updated: Oct 10, 2010 References
Authors: Stephen J. Schueler, MD; John H. Beckett, MD; D. Scott Gettings, MD
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- Gabrielli F, Potenza C, Puddu P, Sera F, Masini C, Abeni D. Suture materials and other factors associated with tissue reactivity, infection, and wound dehiscence among plastic surgery outpatients. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2001 Jan;107(1):38-45. [11176599]
- Webster C, Neumayer L, Smout R, Horn S, Daley J, Henderson W, Khuri S; National Veterans Affairs Surgical Quality Improvement Program. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=pubmed&cmd=Display&dopt=pubmed_pubmed&from_uid=12643854Prognostic models of abdominal wound dehiscence after laparotomy. J Surg Res. 2003 Feb;109(2):130-7. [12643854]