dehiscence
Chapter: 3
Dehiscence is literally the bursting of a wound (page 59). Abdominal wounds are the biggest problem. Systemic factors play a major role in wound dehiscence, since the patient may experience vomiting or coughing (physical factors), or wound infection, or poor nutrition (especially vitamin C). Mortality is high, about 30%. It is treated by using artificial grafts, or large retention sutures to keep the edges of the wound apposed.