What is evisceration?

Evisceration refers to the protrusion of internal organs through an abdominal incision, typically after a surgical procedure or due to a traumatic injury. This condition can occur when the layers of the abdominal wall are compromised, leading to an externalization of the viscera. It is a serious surgical complication that may require immediate medical intervention to prevent further injury to the organs and to manage any potential infections.

In a surgical context, recognizing evisceration is crucial as it not only indicates a physical breach in the integrity of the surgical site but also raises concerns about the patient's overall stability and the need for possible corrective surgical action. Understanding this term is essential for surgical assistants and other healthcare professionals who must be aware of possible complications postoperatively.

The other choices present different medical conditions or procedures that do not relate to the description of evisceration. For example, subtotal gastric resection involves the surgical removal of part of the stomach, cessation of intestinal peristalsis refers to the stoppage of movement within the intestines which can lead to functional obstructions, and nerve cutting to reduce stomach acid secretion pertains to a different procedure aimed at managing gastric conditions rather than a condition involving organ protrusion.