Wound Dehiscence and Evisceration

Episode overview

A postoperative incision suddenly starts draining pink fluid—or worse, bowel appears through the wound. Knowing the difference between superficial wound separation, fascial dehiscence, and evisceration can turn a tricky shelf question into an easy point. In this episode of Surgery Shelf Prep, Chris and Mars break down wound dehiscence and evisceration, including the classic postoperative timing, major risk factors, warning signs, and the next best step in management. You’ll learn why sudden serosanguineous drainage should raise concern for fascial disruption, which patients are at greatest risk, and why evisceration requires immediate coverage with warm saline-moistened sterile gauze followed by emergent operative management. We also review common shelf-exam traps, including confusing superficial wound separation with fascial dehiscence and attempting to reduce exposed bowel at the bedside.