Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
evisceration
Pronunciation: ee-vis-er-AY-shun
Emergency condition where abdominal contents protrude through a wound or surgical incision.
Full Definition
Evisceration is a surgical emergency where intra-abdominal organs or tissues protrude through a wound or dehisced surgical incision. This can occur following trauma or as a postoperative complication when fascial closure fails. The condition requires immediate surgical attention to prevent further injury to the exposed organs and to restore the integrity of the abdominal wall. Management involves covering the exposed organs with moist sterile dressings and emergency surgical repair.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from simple wound dehiscence (no organ protrusion).
In Context
- "The patient presented with evisceration of small bowel through the surgical wound." — Emergency department presentation
- "Emergency repair of evisceration was performed under general anesthesia." — Emergency surgical procedure
Also known as
bowel evisceration
organ prolapse
Don't confuse with
herniation
wound dehiscence