What does evisceration refer to in a surgical context?

Evisceration in a surgical context specifically refers to the protrusion of the abdominal organs or viscera through an opened or dehisced wound. This can occur as a serious complication following surgery, particularly abdominal surgeries, and may indicate that the surgical site has not healed adequately. Recognizing evisceration is crucial for timely intervention, as it can lead to increased risk of infection, further complications, and the need for surgical repair.

The other options describe different conditions or complications: incomplete wound healing pertains to surgical wounds that do not close properly but do not necessarily involve the protrusion of organs; an infection related to a surgical procedure refers to the presence of pathogenic organisms causing inflammation; and excessive bleeding from a surgical site illustrates a hemorrhagic complication rather than an issue with wound integrity. Hence, the focus on the protrusion of organs makes the definition of evisceration clear and distinct in its significance and clinical implications.