The Efficacy of New Scoring System to Predict Abdominal Wound Dehiscence Following Laparotomy

Introduction: Abdominal wound dehiscence is the partial or total disruption of the previously approximated wound edges with or without the protrusion or evisceration of abdominal contents, due to a failure of proper wound healing. This typically appears 7 - 10 days post operatively. It is a common complication of laparotomy in the Indian setup. It is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Hence, we have developed a scoring system which can predict wound dehiscence following elective and emergency laparotomy and prophylactic measures can be taken preoperatively to prevent this. The objectives include identification of independent risk factors for abdominal wound dehiscence and to develop a scoring system to recognize high risk patients. Materials and Methods: An observational, longitudinal, analytical and prospective study was done for a period of one year from May 2023 to May 2024 in Shimoga Institute Of Medical Science, Shimoga, Karnataka, India. The study conducted includes 100 patients who underwent laparotomy under elective and emergency basis. Pre - operative and post - operative examination was done and scoring was done for 14 indices. Patients were followed up for 30 days post operatively. Results: In the study of 100 patients 57 were operated on emergency basis and 43 on elective basis. Out of total cases 13 patients had score of more than 10 (high risk) and 87 patients with low risk. Out of the high risk cases 6 had burst abdomen. Conclusion: The new scoring system helps identify risk factors leading to burst abdomen, hence useful to take preventive measures in high risk cases to decrease morbidity and mortality of patients.