Abdominal wound dehiscence: a review of 60 cases at the University College Hospital, Ibadan

A total of 212 cases of abdominal wound dehiscence requiring secondary closure occurred in 8632 surgical obstetric and gynaecological laparotomies over a 7-year period ending in December 1981. The incidence of abdominal wound dehiscence at Ibadan was 2.5%. Contaminated wounds were the most susceptible with an incidence of 19%. A detailed review of 60 cases revealed a mean age of 29 years. Wound infection was the most prominent contributory factor. Tension sutures appeared to be ineffective in preventing wound dehiscence. Following secondary closure, 53% of the patients developed further wound complications, mainly wound infection, incisional hernia and repeat dehiscence. The average duration of hospitalization was 35 days and 7% of the patients died post-operatively.