Surgery
Wound Dehiscence
Recognise superficial vs deep dehiscence (burst abdomen); cover bowel + immediate theatre; prevent + treat risk factors.
Source: ACPGBI; BAPRAS
Step 1 of ~5
info
Recognise + Classify
Wound dehiscence: separation of surgical wound margins.
Categories:
• Superficial: skin / subcutaneous separation; no fascial dehiscence.
• Deep / fascial dehiscence: fascia separates; may evolve to burst abdomen.
• Burst abdomen: complete dehiscence with bowel evisceration — surgical emergency.
Timing: typically post-op day 5–10 (sudden 'pop' / 'gush' of fluid often described).
Risk factors: obesity, diabetes, smoking, malnutrition, steroids, immunosuppression, malignancy, infection, raised IAP (cough, ileus, ascites), poor surgical technique, emergency surgery, contaminated field.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
Drugs
- Zinc Oxide · Barrier / Astringent / Wound Dressing
- Chlorhexidine with cetrimide · Skin antiseptic / wound cleanser
- Birch bark extracts (betulin) · Topical wound healing agent
- Morphine (Oral) · Strong Opioid Analgesic — Step 3 WHO Ladder
- Oxycodone · Strong Opioid Analgesic — Step 3 WHO Ladder
- Sodium Picosulfate · Stimulant Laxative / Bowel Preparation Agent
Pathways
- Major Trauma — Primary Survey (ATLS) · ATLS 10th Edition; JRCALC; NICE NG39
- Major Haemorrhage / Massive Transfusion · BCSH; RCOA; RCEM; RCS — BCSH Guidelines
- Burns — TBSA Estimation & Fluid Resuscitation · British Burn Association; EMSB; RCEM 2024
- Lower Gastrointestinal Bleed · NICE; BSG; ACPGBI — Commissioning Guide
- Acute Pancreatitis · NICE; IAP/APA; ACPGBI — CG104
- Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis · BAPS / RCPCH
Decision support only. Always apply local guidelines and clinical judgement.