What evidence might indicate wound dehiscence after bariatric surgery?

A sharp increase in serosanguineous drainage can be a significant indicator of wound dehiscence after bariatric surgery. Serosanguineous drainage typically suggests the presence of blood mixed with serous fluid, and an increase in this type of drainage could signal that the wound is opening or has become compromised. This heightened drainage may be due to the breakdown of skin or tissue integrity at the surgical site, which is a primary concern following any surgical procedure, including bariatric surgery.

While other symptoms such as increased pain at the incision site, fever, and nausea may indicate complications or other issues, they are not as directly indicative of wound dehiscence as the increased drainage. For instance, while increased pain could suggest irritation or infection, and fever might indicate an infection as well, neither necessarily relates specifically to the physical integrity of the wound compared to the significant change in drainage patterns. Therefore, the sharp increase in serosanguineous drainage provides a more clear and direct evidence of potential wound dehiscence that requires further evaluation and intervention.