What is “wound dehiscence”?

Wound dehiscence refers specifically to the reopening of a wound that had previously been closed. This typically occurs after surgical procedures or when a wound has been sutured or otherwise approximated. The condition arises for various reasons, such as infection, inadequate suturing, or excessive tension on the wound edges, which can lead to a compromise in the wound's integrity. Understanding this term is essential for recognizing potential complications in wound management, as dehiscence can increase the risk of infection and prolong the healing process.

The other options do not accurately capture this specific medical phenomenon: the formation of scar tissue is a part of the healing process but does not denote the reopening of a wound; a type of superficial wound refers to the depth and severity of a wound but does not involve the integrity of a closed wound; and healing without complications describes an ideal outcome for a wound rather than a complication such as dehiscence.