Management of Abdominal Wound Dehiscence Following Cesarean Section: The Case for Debridement and Immediate Primary Re-Closure

Reuben A Falola, Alexandra Tilt, Alexandria M Carroll, Madison J Kim, Gloria Bowles-Johnson, Christopher E Attinger and Karen K Evans

Department of Plastic Surgery, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC, USA

^*Correspondance to: Karen K Evans 

 PDF  Full Text DOI: 10.25107/2474-1647.1881

Abstract

Abdominal wound dehiscence occurs in 3.6% to 29% of all obstetrics and gynecology laparotomies, producing a higher morbidity and mortality rates, increased cost of care, and lower Quality Of Life (QOL) in this population. Evidence-based guidelines for management of post-operative wound dehiscence after cesarean laparotomy are limited, and thus has led to wide variation in management strategies. The traditional method of wet to dry dressing changes can prolong care and the period of disability. Debridement and immediate re-closure is showing promise as the optimal means management of these patients. In this article, we review and assess the factors that contribute to patient outcomes after cesarean laparotomy, and present our experience with this operative technique.

Keywords

Cesarean section; Debridement and Re-closure; Wound dehiscence

Cite the article

Falola RA, Tilt A, Carroll AM, Kim MJ, Bowles-Johnson G, Attinger CE, et al. Management of Abdominal Wound Dehiscence Following Cesarean Section: The Case for Debridement and Immediate Primary Re-Closure. Clin Surg. 2018; 3: 1881.