POSTOPERATIVE COMPLICATIONS: WOUND DEHISCENCE AND EVISCERATION -- PREVENTING AND MANAGING

Course overview

Postoperative wound dehiscence and evisceration (PWDE) are serious and potentially life-threatening complications of surgery involving rupture of the suture line and exposure of internal organs. Wound dehiscence is the rupture of a wound along the surgical suture line, which can involve partial or complete separation of the outer layers of the joined sides of the incision. This continuing education module is designed to give the reader/learner an increased understanding of prevention, interventions, and management of PWDE including its clinical presentation, symptoms, and treatment, and to aid in caring for the patient with this diagnosis. Readers may explore any or all of the topics. One contact hour of continuing education credit is available for those who successfully complete the post-test and evaluation form.