Authors

  1. DOUGHTY, DOROTHY B. MN, RN, CWOCN, FAAN

Abstract

Most surgical wounds heal uneventfully-the dehisced surgical incision is definitely the exception to the rule. However, management of a dehisced incision is a fairly common home care challenge that must be understood. This month's column answers the questions:

 

* Why do some incisions dehisce, and what, if anything, can be done to prevent dehiscence?

 

* Are there early warning signs to look for?

 

* How should a dehisced wound be managed?