What does dehiscence refer to in surgical terms?

Dehiscence in surgical terms specifically refers to the situation where a surgical wound that has been sutured or closed opens up or separates. This can happen due to various factors such as infection, inadequate closure techniques, excessive tension on the wound, or poor healing ability of the tissue.

Understanding dehiscence is crucial for surgical assistants and other healthcare professionals because it can lead to complications such as increased risk of infection, prolonged hospital stay, and a need for further surgical intervention. Recognizing the signs of dehiscence postoperatively enables timely intervention and management, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

The other options describe different occurrences or conditions related to wound healing but do not accurately define dehiscence. Complete closure of a wound signifies healing, while formation of an abscess indicates an infection that can complicate healing. Necrosis in the wound area refers to tissue death, which can also complicate recovery but does not encompass the concept of dehiscence.