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

What describes the protrusion of bowel through separated edges of an abdominal wound closure?

1. Dehiscence

2. Evisceration

3. Necrosis

4. Infiltration

The correct answer is: Evisceration

The protrusion of bowel through separated edges of an abdominal wound closure is defined as evisceration. This condition occurs when the layers of the abdominal wall fail to adequately hold together, resulting in the internal contents, such as the bowels, pushing through the opening. Evisceration is a serious complication that often necessitates immediate medical intervention to prevent further complications, including infection and damage to the bowel. Dehiscence refers to the partial or complete separation of the wound edges, but it does not necessarily imply that bowel or other internal organs are protruding through the wound. Necrosis refers to the death of tissue, usually due to inadequate blood supply, and is not related to the physical separation of wound edges or the protrusion of the bowel. Infiltration typically describes the accumulation of fluid or substances within tissue and is unrelated to the mechanical failure of wound closure. Therefore, evisceration is the most accurate term for this scenario.