Wound care

Care for dehisced surgical wounds in St. Louis and Metro East, Illinois.

Dehiscence means that part of a surgical incision has opened. The depth, drainage, tissue exposure and surgical instructions determine what should happen next.

Request care Refer a patient

What matters when an incision opens

How much of the incision has opened
Depth, drainage, bleeding and exposed tissue
Signs of infection or strain on the incision
Current restrictions and surgeon instructions

Other clinicians may be involved.

The operating surgeon should be notified. Wound care, home health, infectious disease or hospital evaluation may also be needed.

Where care happens

Follow-up after an incision has opened

Home or facility follow-up may be appropriate when the surgical team has been informed and the wound can be managed safely outside the hospital or office.

Share the location, date and type of surgery, what opened or changed and the best contact for the surgical team.