WOUND DEHISCENCE AND ITS CONTRIBUTING FACTORS IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING LAPAROTOMY

Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency of wound dehiscence and its contributing factors in patients undergoing laparotomy

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Surgery at Nawaz Sharif Medical College / Aziz Bhatti Shaheed Teaching Hospital over five months (Feb 25 to June 25). A total of 160 patients aged 18 to 65 years undergoing laparotomy for abdominal trauma, intestinal obstruction, or intestinal perforation were included through non-probability consecutive sampling. Patients with prior wound dehiscence or collagen disorders were excluded. Baseline demographic and clinical data were recorded. Patients were followed for 14 days postoperatively for development of wound dehiscence. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Associations were assessed using Chi-square or Fisher’s exact test, and multivariate logistic regression was performed. A p-value ≤0.05 was considered significant.
Results: The mean age of patients was 41.2 ± 12.3 years, and mean weight was 66.5 ± 10.4 kg. There were 92 (57.5%) males and 68 (42.5%) females. The overall frequency of wound dehiscence was 8.75% (n=14). Among affected patients, 9 (64.3%) had partial and 5 (35.7%) had complete dehiscence. Wound infection showed the strongest association with dehiscence (OR 7.2, p<0.001). Hypoalbuminemia (OR 3.5, p=0.006), anemia (OR 3.0, p=0.02), postoperative cough (OR 2.4, p=0.05), and diabetes (OR 1.8, p=0.05) were also significant contributors. On multivariate analysis, wound infection, hypoalbuminemia, and anemia remained independent predictors.
Conclusion: Wound dehiscence remains a significant postoperative complication after laparotomy. Wound infection, hypoalbuminemia, anemia, and postoperative cough were major contributing factors. Early identification and targeted management of modifiable risk factors may reduce morbidity and improve surgical outcomes