At which stage of wound healing is dehiscence most likely to occur?

Dehiscence refers to the reopening of a wound that has previously closed. It is most likely to occur during the inflammatory phase of wound healing. This phase encompasses the initial response to injury, characterized by inflammation and the formation of a clot. During this time, the wound is still vulnerable, as the tissues are not yet sufficiently strengthened or bonded together.

Factors contributing to dehiscence during the inflammatory phase include the presence of an infection, inadequate tissue perfusion, or increased mechanical stress on the wound. The healing process has not yet progressed to a point where enough new tissue has formed to support the wound securely.

In contrast, the proliferative phase involves tissue formation and the development of granulation tissue, where the risk of dehiscence decreases significantly as the wound continues to strengthen. The maturation phase, which focuses on remodeling and strengthening the newly formed tissue, showcases the lowest likelihood of dehiscence as the wound reaches a more stable state. The tertiary phase, also known as delayed primary closure, involves intentionally leaving a wound open for a period before suturing, which also mitigates the risk of dehiscence due to its controlled management.

Overall, the inflammatory phase is characterized by a lack of adequate tissue integrity, making