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suture line dehiscence
Pronunciation: dih-HIS-ents
Separation or breakdown of a surgical suture line, potentially causing bleeding or structural failure.
Full Definition
Suture line dehiscence occurs when previously approximated tissues separate along a surgical suture line, compromising the integrity of the repair. In cardiovascular surgery, this complication can occur at anastomotic sites, valve repairs, or closure lines, potentially resulting in bleeding, pseudoaneurysm formation, or functional failure. Risk factors include infection, excessive tension, poor tissue quality, or technical factors during the original repair.
Usage
Usage note: Specify location (anastomotic, closure line, etc.) for clarity in clinical documentation.
In Context
- "Echocardiography revealed suture line dehiscence with moderate paravalvular leak." — Post-operative complication report
- "No evidence of suture line dehiscence was observed at the proximal anastomosis." — Follow-up imaging report
Also known as
suture breakdown
anastomotic dehiscence
Contrasted with
intact suture line
secure anastomosis
Don't confuse with
suture line bleeding
pseudoaneurysm