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Grafted unhealing leg wound opened up after 12 years. Is it varicose veins?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Around 12 years ago, my unhealing leg wound was cured by multiple skin grafts. Now, after 12 years, the wound opened up. Reason is unknown.

Is it varicose? I have attached the latest snaps.

Please help.

Answered by Dr. Vandana Andrews

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Wound dehiscence occurs when surgical wound closures reopen instead of proper healing. Reasons or people who are at high risk for wound dehiscence are as follows: Patients with a weak immune system or those who are malnourished may also experience this due to underlying chronic medical illness, such as diabetes mellitus, smoking, obesity, premature post-surgery exercise, and heavy lifting.

I would suggest you see a doctor without delay for the proper care of your wound healing and do all the necessary tests to rule out any underlying systemic illness. The risk of dehiscence increases with over-tightening of sutures, poor suturing technique, inappropriate surgery site, and the suturing material used.

I hope this helps.

Thank you and take care.

Regards.

The Probable causes

The probable causes are: 1. Can be due to a weak immune system or malnutrition or chronic medical illness. 2. Over-tightening of sutures or poor suturing technique followed. It can also be due to the suture material used. 3. In appropriate surgery site grafted. 4. smoking can be a cause. 5. Can be due to obesity. 6. It could have caused because of premature post-surgery exercise. 7. Heavy lifting.

Investigations to be done

Following investigations need to be done: 1. Physical examination from a general surgeon is a must. 2. Blood tests such as CBC (complete blood count) and wound culture to be done. 3. Check post-prandial, fasting blood sugar and glycated hemoglobin (PP/FBS/HbA1C).

Probable diagnosis

The probable diagnosis is wound dehiscence.

Treatment plan

The treatment plan is Good wound care and hygiene (with appropriate dressing and cleaning as instructed by your doctor).

Preventive measures

Following are the preventive measures: 1. Regular wound dressing. 2. Antibiotics to be taken if the culture is positive for micro-organisms.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor, thank you for the reply.

What should I do now?

Answered by Dr. Vandana Andrews

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Please see a doctor in person.

I wish you good health.

I hope this helps.

Thank you and take care.

Regards.

Answered byDr. Vandana Andrews

Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team

Published At April 5, 2016
Reviewed AtDecember 19, 2025

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Vandana Andrews
Dr. Vandana Andrews

General Practitioner

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