Sutures and Wound Repair/ General Surgery (ABSA) Practice Test

In surgical terms, what does evisceration refer to?

1. The reopening of sutured wounds

2. The protrusion of internal organs

3. The presence of necrotic tissue

4. The formation of a fistula

The correct answer is: The protrusion of internal organs

Evisceration specifically refers to the protrusion of internal organs from a body cavity, often occurring as a result of a surgical complication or trauma. This condition can happen when there is a failure of closure or support in surgical wounds, leading to the abnormal exposure of internal contents. It is critical for surgical professionals to recognize evisceration promptly to initiate appropriate interventions, as it can lead to significant complications, including infection or further injury to the organs involved. The other terms are associated with different surgical phenomena. The reopening of sutured wounds describes a dehiscence, which is not the same as evisceration; it refers mainly to the wound itself and not the organs. Necrotic tissue presence pertains to dead tissue that has lost blood supply, which does not specifically indicate organ protrusion. Lastly, the formation of a fistula involves an abnormal connection between two epithelial surfaces, different from the protrusion of organs. Understanding these distinctions is essential for accurate communication in clinical settings.