The evaluation of risk factors in abdominal wound dehiscence

Abstract

Background: The partial or complete disruption of an abdominal wound is described as wound dehiscence; which could be complete or partial depending on the extent of seperation. This study aims to analyze the risk factors for wound dehiscence, several clinical presentations and post-surgical complications following laparotomy. Methods: A record of 50 patients who underwent major abdominal surgery were analyzed. The data on patient characteristic, cause for laparotomy, type of surgery performed, type of sutures and post-operative complications were recorded and analyzed using SPSS16.00 program. Significance was determined as p< 0.05. Results: Out of 50 patients, 35 were male (70%), 31 patients aged >50 years. Smoking considered as a considerable patient factor (n=60%). Wound dehiscence incidence was high in patients undergoing laparotomy for perforation. Incidence was higher in emergency surgeries (37 patients). Wound infection was commonest complication followed by seroma formation. Conclusion: The incidence of wound dehiscence, morbidity in terms of prolonged hospital stay and increased economic burden on health care resources can be reduced by highlighting the risk factors, incidence rate and remedial measures for prevention of wound dehiscence.