Wound Dehiscence: Causes, Warning Signs, and Emergency Care

Wound dehiscence is a serious surgical complication in which a previously closed incision reopens along the suture line instead of healing as intended. Under normal circumstances, sutures or staples hold wound edges together long enough for new tissue to form. When dehiscence occurs, the wound margins separate, delaying healing and increasing the risk of infection or further complications.

This condition can range from mild to life-threatening and always requires urgent medical assessment.

What Causes Wound Dehiscence?

Wound dehiscence can occur for several reasons, often involving mechanical stress or impaired healing.

Surgical and mechanical factors include:

• Incorrect suturing technique

• Sutures placed too tightly or too loosely

• Use of unsuitable suture materials

• Excessive strain on the incision from:

  • Heavy lifting

  • Strenuous activity

  • Persistent coughing or sneezing

  • Vomiting

  • Straining during bowel movements

  • Sudden movements or laughing

Medical and healing-related factors include:

• Wound infection

• Poor blood supply to the area

• Malnutrition

• Compromised immune system

Individuals in Canada with chronic conditions are at higher risk, including those living with:

• Diabetes

• Kidney disease

• HIV/AIDS

• Cancer undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy

Types of Wound Dehiscence

Wound dehiscence is classified based on severity:

• Partial dehiscence – only the superficial layers of tissue reopen

• Complete dehiscence – all tissue layers separate, potentially exposing underlying organs

Complete dehiscence is a medical emergency and may involve organ protrusion.

Signs and Symptoms to Watch For

Wound dehiscence is often visually apparent. Warning signs include:

• Reopening of a surgical incision

• Visible separation of wound edges

• Bleeding or sudden increase in drainage

• Broken or loosened sutures

• Pain at or around the incision site

• Pus or frothy discharge (possible infection)

Recognizing these signs early is critical, particularly for caregivers or family members providing post-operative support.

Management and Medical Treatment

All cases of wound dehiscence require immediate medical attention. In healthcare settings, the wound is treated as a new surgical injury, taking the original procedure into account.

Typical management may include:

• Antibiotic therapy to treat or prevent infection

• Surgical debridement to remove dead or infected tissue

• Re-closure of the wound using appropriate surgical techniques

• Close monitoring to prevent recurrence

Regular dressing changes are essential to reduce infection risk while allowing controlled exposure to air to support healing.

First Aid Awareness and Education in Canada

Although wound dehiscence cannot be treated outside a medical facility, early recognition, infection awareness, and proper wound protection are critical skills taught in Canadian first aid programs. Understanding when a wound is not healing normally—and knowing how to respond while awaiting medical care—can significantly reduce complications.

This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical care. Learning proper wound assessment, post-surgical monitoring, and infection recognition through formal first aid training can help individuals provide safer support in homes, workplaces, and community settings.