What is the difference between dehiscence and evisceration?

• A. Dehiscence is partial wound closure; evisceration is protrusion of organs through the wound.
• B. Dehiscence is infection; evisceration is scar formation.
• C. Dehiscence is when organs protrude through wound; evisceration is separation of wound edges.
• D. Dehiscence is the partial or total separation of wound edges; evisceration is the protrusion of organs through the wound.

Answer: (D)

Understanding wound healing complications helps distinguish these terms clearly. Dehiscence describes the wound edges pulling apart—partial or complete separation of the wound closure. Evisceration goes a step further: internal organs actually protrude through the wound opening, usually after abdominal surgery. So the best wording is that dehiscence is separation of wound edges, while evisceration is protrusion of viscera through the wound. They’re related, but evisceration is the more urgent, dramatic event. In clinical practice, dehiscence signals the need to assess for infection, tension, or poor healing, while evisceration requires immediate emergency care—cover the exposed organs with sterile saline-soaked dressings and notify the surgical team right away, with the patient kept in a position that reduces strain on the wound.