A Clinical Study of Abdominal Wound Dehiscence

Abstract

BACKGROUND Abdominal wound dehiscence is a preventable complication, but is still seen. When present, it poses problem in the management of the case, increases the morbidity and mortality of the patient. The present study is a prospective study done from January 2010-May 2016 with an objective to find out the incidence of wound dehiscence, the most common pathologies associated with dehiscence and to find out the statistical significance of the difference risk factors causing wound dehiscence and to evaluate the role of tension sutures in prevention of wound dehiscence. MATERIALS AND METHODS 291 major laparotomies were followed from January 2010-September 2016. There were 21 cases of dehiscence and from the remaining 270 cases, 58 patients were chosen as controls who underwent the same procedure, but without dehiscence. 15 factors were analysed and compared between the dehiscence and control groups. RESULTS The incidence was found to be 7.2%. Peritonitis was the most common pathology. The significant factors were age more than 50, wound infection. Tension suture application has shown to reduce the incidence of wound dehiscence. CONCLUSIONS  Intra-abdominal sepsis (peritonitis) increases the incidence of wound dehiscence.  Age >50, Uraemic, Jaundiced, Obesity, Malnutrition increases the incidence of wound dehiscence.  Wound infection was a highly significant factor having 8 times more risk of dehiscence.