Table 1

Definition of complications

Complication
Definition

Burst abdomen
Postoperatively missing continuity of the abdominal fascia
in combination with a wound dehiscence and consecutive
relapse operation.
Wound infection
Redness, wound dehiscence with secretion either of putrid
or caliginous, smelly fluid and/or mircobiologic evidence of
bacterial contamination.
Incisional hernia
A hernia is present if the ultrasound shows a fascial gap
and a protruding hernial sac and the clinical exam is
consistent with a hernia.
Complicated wound healing
Incision has not completely closed. Necrosis of the wound
edge or primary or secondary dehiscence occurs. Formation
of seroma, fistula, necrosis, and bleeding.

Fischer et al. BMC Surgery 2008 8:12   doi:10.1186/1471-2482-8-12