What does dehiscence refer to in a medical context?

In a medical context, dehiscence specifically refers to the separation of wound layers after surgery. This phenomenon can occur when the tissue that was sutured or stapled together becomes unstuck, leading to an opening at the surgical site. Dehiscence is often associated with factors such as infection, improper wound healing, and excessive tension on the suture line. Understanding dehiscence is crucial for healthcare providers, as it can lead to complications like increased risk of infection and delayed healing.

The other terms unfortunately do not accurately describe dehiscence. For example, the stitching process of wound closure is referred to as suturing. The reduction of swelling in a wound is more accurately described as improving edema or resolving inflammation. Finally, the formation of scar tissue is known as fibrosis or scarring but does not involve the separation of wound layers after the initial healing process.