A wound is at the greatest risk of dehiscence in the first days after surgery, when the wound is still fresh and very fragile. In all cases dehiscence should be reported to the surgeon. Image credit: what-when-how.
What causes wound dehiscence? A sudden increase in abdominal pressure. This is due to coughing, sneezing, vomiting, bearing down to have a bowel movement or lifting a heavy object, causes an abdominal wound to open.
The infection delays healing and can also weaken the newly formed tissue as the body works to close the incision. A patient who is malnourished or unable to eat may not be able to heal their wound quickly. Obese patients are more likely to have problems with wound closure and healing, as the wound has more difficulty closing and the healed incision must be stronger to support the additional weight of the fatty tissue.
What is wound evisceration? Wound evisceration is the protusion of the internal organs usually abdominal through an incision. Evisceration is a rare but severe surgical complication, it is an emergency and should be treated immediately. What to do if evisceration occurs at home? Call or go to the nearest hospital. Cover the opening and organs with cleanest WET sheet or bandage to prevent it from adhering to tissue and also prevent infection.
Sterile saline should be used but if not, bottled or tap water is used. Calm down and seat low or lie down to prevent abdominal tension. Section for Nurses:. These suggestioms can be used to reduce the risk of dehiscence or evisceration:.
After surgery wound dehiscence is typically minor, with a small area of the wound opening or gaping slightly. If the area is small, it is typically an inconvenience, a minor disruption in an otherwise normal recovery. Evisceration is far rarer, but more serious when it happens, and cannot be ignored. Prevention, with incision bracing and not ignoring a serious cough as well as refraining from heavy lifting, is key.
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We and our partners process data to: Actively scan device characteristics for identification. I Accept Show Purposes. Surgical Incision Dehiscence A wound is at the greatest risk of dehiscence in the first two weeks after surgery, when the wound is still fresh and very fragile. What to Do If Dehiscence Happens As dehiscence can easily become evisceration, a very serious complication where the organs begin to push outside of the open incision, all instances of dehiscence should be reported to your surgeon.
Causes of Dehiscence Dehiscence can be caused by many factors. Evisceration of a Surgical Wound Evisceration is a rare but severe surgical complication where the surgical incision opens dehiscence and the abdominal organs then protrude or come out of the incision evisceration. Emergency Treatment for Evisceration In all circumstances of evisceration, emergency medical care should be sought by activating EMS, , or reporting to the nearest emergency medical facility.
Prevention These suggestioms can be used to reduce the risk of dehiscence or evisceration: Bracing : When doing any activity that increases abdominal pressure sneezing, coughing, vomiting, laughing, bearing down for a bowel movement hold pressure over your incision using your hands or a pillow.
This can both prevent dehiscence and minimize pain during activity. Prevent constipation : Constipation is common after surgery and straining to have a bowel movement puts unnecessary stress on your incision. Prevent constipation with proper nutrition after surgery, or if you are already constipated, ask your surgeon for medication to help.
Proper incision care : Proper incision care will not only speed healing, but it helps prevent infection, which can weaken the incision and increase the chances of dehiscence.
Prevent coughing and sneezing : If your allergies are acting up or you have a cough, be proactive about keeping sneezing and coughing to a minimum. Repetitive coughing and sneezing can slowly weaken your incision, which can slow healing and in some cases lead to dehiscence. Avoid lifting : If your healthcare provider says you are not allowed to lift anything heavier than 5 pounds for two weeks after surgery, that is serious advice to be taken strictly.
Lifting objects can place stress on your incision that can cause it to open. A Word From Verywell After surgery wound dehiscence is typically minor, with a small area of the wound opening or gaping slightly. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback!
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