Before entering fully into the meaning of the term dehiscence, it is necessary to discover its etymological origin. In this case, we can state that it is a word that derives from Latin, exactly from “dehiscens, dehiscentis”, which can be translated as “that opens”. And that, in turn, comes from the verb “dehiscere”, which is synonymous with “open”.
The notion of dehiscence is used in medicine and botany . In the first case, it refers to a problem in repairing a wound after a surgical intervention.
Dehiscence, in this framework, means that the affected tissues separate again . This means that the wound opens and bleeds, causing inflammation, pain and fever.
There are various causes that can cause wound dehiscence. Many times this disorder is linked to problems with the collagen in the skin . An infection, diabetes, obesity, trauma to the wound after the intervention or a poorly performed suture can also lead to dehiscence.
The use of corticosteroids in high doses, a deficiency of vitamin C and even the existence of pressure on the suture are other situations that can lead to dehiscence.
There are also a series of factors that increase a person's risk of suture dehiscence. We are referring to age, smoking, having diabetes, not following the instructions of your doctors or having a diet that is not balanced or complete.
Upon the appearance of dehiscence, treatment may include a new suture and the administration of antibiotics for prophylaxis. Changing the gauze covering the wound and leaving the injury exposed to air for a period of time can also be part of the treatment.
Botany , on the other hand, appeals to the concept of dehiscence to refer to the natural opening of the pericarp of a fruit or the anthers of a flower to allow the exit of a seed or pollen.
Dehiscence, in this sense, occurs spontaneously when a plant structure reaches maturity and must proceed to release its contents. In the case of fruits, dehiscence occurs in nuts and can develop in different ways depending on how the opening of the carpel takes place. The dehiscence of the anthers, on the other hand, occurs through the endothecium.
In the same way, it is essential that we know the existence of what is known as suture dehiscence. Under this term we find that the tissues, which had been joined by means of the relevant suture, have become detached due to a technical failure. This situation entails not only that they separate but also that the organic content that they have "leaks" and that a really serious situation arises for the patient in question.
This type of dehiscence usually occurs in relation to the genital and intestinal tracts, especially.