In the context of wound care, what does the term "dehiscence" refer to?

Dehiscence refers specifically to the partial or complete separation of wound edges, which can occur post-surgery or after an injury when the tissue does not properly heal together. This can lead to complications such as delayed healing, increased risk of infection, and exposure of underlying structures. Understanding this term is crucial in wound care as it helps identify when a wound has not healed adequately and requires further assessment or intervention.

The other terms listed describe different complications associated with wounds. Excessive bleeding from a wound is a different issue related to hemostasis and vascular integrity. Infection involves microbial invasion and subsequent response, which can also lead to delayed healing but is not indicative of separation of wound edges. The formation of excessive scar tissue, known as hypertrophic scarring or keloids, occurs after healing but is unrelated to the initial concept of dehiscence. Each term highlights various aspects of wound management, but dehiscence is focused specifically on the integrity of the wound closure.