What is the term for the protrusion of viscera through an incision following surgery?

The term for the protrusion of viscera through an incision following surgery is evisceration. This condition occurs when the internal organs, typically the intestines, are forced out of their normal anatomical position through a wound or surgical incision. Evisceration is considered a serious complication of surgical procedures, as it can lead to significant morbidity and requires immediate medical intervention.

In contrast, dehiscence refers to the partial or complete separation of a surgical wound's layers, which may or may not involve the protrusion of internal organs. Herniation generally describes the abnormal displacement of tissue or an organ from its usual space but does not specifically apply to the context of surgical incisions. An incisional hernia is a specific type of hernia that develops at the site of a surgical incision, arising from weakness in the abdominal wall, but it is not the immediate protrusion of viscera through a wound as seen in evisceration. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for recognizing postoperative complications and their management.