Wound Dehiscence

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.

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Wound dehiscence is when part or all of a wound comes apart. You may need medicine, wound care, surgery, or wound devices to help treat your wound. Wound dehiscence can become life-threatening.

WHILE YOU ARE HERE:

Informed consent

is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that you may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done. Make sure all your questions are answered.

Rest:

Proper rest is needed for wound healing. Your healthcare provider may have you rest in bed or in a certain position. Do not get up until your healthcare provider says it is okay.

Medicines:

• Pain medicine may be given. Do not wait until the pain is severe before you ask for more medicine.
• Antibiotics may be given to help treat or prevent an infection caused by bacteria.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

Tests:

• Blood tests may be used to find signs of infection, or to check liver and kidney function. Healthcare providers may use blood tests to get information about your overall health.
• A wound culture is a test of fluid or tissue used to find the cause of your infection.

Treatment:

• Daily wound care includes examining, cleaning, and bandaging your wound.
• A wound vacuum is a device that is placed over your wound. This device helps remove fluid or infection from your wound so it can heal and close.
• Splints or binders may be used to decrease stress on your wound and help hold it together.
• Surgery may be done to remove infected tissue or close the open wound. Skin grafts, mesh, or stitches may be used to close your wound.

RISKS:

Bacteria may get into your wound and spread throughout your body. When abdominal wounds split open, your intestines or other organs may come through the wound. This may become life-threatening.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Further information

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