Rapid management of surgical incisions that have separated or reopened.
Wound dehiscence is the partial or complete separation of the layers of a surgical wound after it has been closed. It ranges from superficial dehiscence, involving only the skin and subcutaneous tissue, to full-thickness or fascial dehiscence, in which the deep fascial layer separates. The most severe form, evisceration, occurs when abdominal contents protrude through a completely separated wound and constitutes a surgical emergency. Dehiscence typically presents within 5 to 14 days of surgery, often heralded by a sudden gush of serosanguineous fluid.
Also known as: Surgical wound dehiscence, Wound separation, Wound breakdown, Incisional dehiscence, Fascial dehiscence, Burst abdomen.
Common signs and symptoms can vary by wound type and severity.
A clinician evaluates the wound together with the factors that may delay healing.
Seek immediate medical evaluation if a surgical incision separates, drains a sudden gush of pink or bloody fluid, or exposes deeper tissue. If abdominal contents protrude through the wound (evisceration), call 911, cover the area with sterile saline-moistened gauze, and do not attempt to push the tissue back — this is a surgical emergency.
Healix360 supports access to advanced mobile wound care services for patients throughout our coverage area. Services are delivered by licensed physicians and nurse practitioners experienced in the evaluation and management of acute and complex wounds, including surgical wound dehiscence. Care is coordinated and provided directly to patients in private residences, assisted living communities, and skilled nursing facilities.
Our clinicians first differentiate superficial from fascial dehiscence and screen for underlying infection, which is the most common contributing cause. For superficial separation, we clean the wound bed, manage exudate, and allow healing by secondary intention with appropriate dressings. For deeper or heavily draining wounds, we frequently employ negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) to approximate wound edges, control drainage, and stimulate granulation. We coordinate promptly with the referring surgeon whenever fascial involvement or evisceration is suspected.
Most cases of superficial wound dehiscence heal by secondary intention with diligent local wound care and infection control. When deeper wounds are managed with negative pressure wound therapy and coordinated surgical oversight, healing progresses steadily, reducing the risk of chronic wound formation, incisional hernia, and hospital readmission.
The most common causes are wound infection, excessive tension or pressure on the incision (from coughing, straining, or obesity), and impaired healing from diabetes, malnutrition, or steroid use. Often several factors combine.
No. Many superficial dehiscences are intentionally left open to heal by secondary intention, often with negative pressure wound therapy. Re-suturing is generally reserved for deep fascial dehiscence and is a surgical decision.
Licensed clinicians visit the residence to assess the depth of separation, screen for infection, debride nonviable tissue, and apply advanced dressings or NPWT. We coordinate directly with your surgeon whenever deeper layers are involved.
Superficial wounds healing by secondary intention often close within a few weeks, while larger or deeper wounds may take one to several months depending on size, infection, and overall health.
Yes. Medically necessary wound care for surgical dehiscence, including clinician visits, debridement, dressings, and NPWT, is typically covered under Medicare Part B.
Call 877-545-1300 or request a provider to begin care. Healix360 serves Southern California and Nevada and accepts Medicare Part B and most major insurance plans.