srjcmsSRJCMSSRJCMS2788-885110.47310/srjcms.2025.v05i01.013Clinicopathological Analysis of Abdominal Wound Dehiscence in Adult Surgical PatientsBackground: Abdominal wound dehiscence (AWD) is a serious postoperative complication that contributes significantly to morbidity, mortality, and prolonged hospitalization. Despite advancements in surgical techniques and postoperative care, its incidence remains notable, especially in emergency laparotomies. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the clinicopathological profile of adult patients presenting with abdominal wound dehiscence, identify key predisposing factors, and assess postoperative outcomes. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted over one year at a tertiary care center in North India. Fifty adult patients who developed AWD following laparotomy were included. Data regarding demographic characteristics, comorbidities, surgical indications, operative findings, postoperative complications, microbiology, and mortality were collected and analyzed. Results: Among the 50 patients, 74% were males, and the most affected age group was 41–50 years (34%). Emergency surgeries accounted for 68% of cases, predominantly due to perforation peritonitis (40%). Midline incisions and interrupted sutures were commonly employed. Complete wound dehiscence occurred in 60% of patients, most frequently around postoperative day 7. Staphylococcus aureus was the most commonly isolated organism (45%). Post-resuturing, wound infections occurred in 30% and incisional hernias in 10% of cases. The overall mortality rate was 14%, with sepsis being the leading cause of death. Conclusion: AWD remains a major surgical complication associated with multiple risk factors including emergency surgery, sepsis, anemia, and poor nutritional status. Early identification of high-risk patients, meticulous surgical technique, effective infection control, and optimized perioperative management are critical to reducing its incidence and improving patient outcomes.