Wound Dehiscence: Causes, Risks, and Effective Treatment Approaches

Understanding Wound Dehiscence

They say that time heals all wounds, but for some patients, these wounds can reopen prematurely during the post-surgery recovery process. This is known as wound dehiscence, or post-surgical wounds, which occurs when wound edges separate either partially or completely, potentially leading to delayed healing, an increased risk of infection, and additional surgical interventions. By understanding the intricacies of wound dehiscence, patients and caregivers will be better able to manage this complication more effectively, ensuring a smoother recovery process and reducing the risk of further issues.

What Causes Wound Dehiscence?

First, it's important to understand that wound healing progresses through four distinct phases: 

• Hemostasis, which slows and prevents blood loss
• Inflammation, which removes debris and bacteria
• Proliferation, which rebuilds tissue
• Maturation, which strengthens the new tissue

Wound dehiscence can occur during any of these four phases, though it’s more commonplace within the first week of recovery. 

Several factors can disrupt the overall healing process, including improper surgical techniques (such as improper suturing and excessive tension), infections at the wound site, and pressure on the sutures. The latter may be further exacerbated by heavy lifting, vomiting, and excessive coughing, which may break the staples or stitches.

What Are the Risk Factors?

There are a few risk factors that should be taken into consideration in order to prevent and manage post-surgical wounds. The non-exhaustive list includes:

• Anemia
• Hypoproteinemia
• Type and size of the incision
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Cancer
• Pneumonia
• Hypertension
• Older age

Certain medications, such as steroids, anticonvulsants, angiogenesis inhibitors, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, may also negatively impact the overall wound healing process. Additionally, lifestyle factors like smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and poor nutrition may further increase the risk of wound dehiscence.

How is Wound Dehiscence Treated?

Treatment options for wound dehiscence depend on the severity of the wound separation and the underlying cause. This may include one or more of the following:

• Antibiotics & Pain medication
• Specialized wet-to-dry dressing
• Vacuum-assisted closure of the wound/Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT)
• Debridement to remove dead or infected tissue

It’s also important to work with a provider who will help to manage any contributing risk factors, as previously mentioned.

Advanced Wound Care Is Here to Help

At Advanced Wound Care, we offer comprehensive solutions to heal wound dehiscence complications quickly and effectively. Our team of trained medical professionals specialize in advanced wound care modalities such as:

• Wound vacuums (negative pressure wound therapy)
• Advanced and specialized dressings
• Compression therapy
• Debridement
• And more!

See for yourself why we’re Wisconsin’s leading mobile wound care clinic, helping patients from the bustling streets of Milwaukee to the tranquil shores of Lake Geneva (and everywhere in between), who are suffering from hard-to-heal wounds. If you or a loved one is suffering from post-surgical wounds of any kind, don't hesitate to reach out. Contact Advanced Wound Care today to take the next step toward better healing and improved well-being.