What complication occurs when a patient's internal organs are outside their body?

The correct answer is evisceration, which refers to the condition where internal organs protrude through a wound or surgical incision, resulting in them being outside the body. This condition can occur, for instance, following certain surgical procedures if the surgical site does not heal properly. Evisceration is a serious complication that typically requires immediate medical attention, as it exposes vital organs to the external environment, increasing the risk of infection and other complications.

In contrast, herniation typically involves a portion of an organ or tissue bulging through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue rather than being completely outside the body. Dehiscence refers to the reopening of a surgical wound, which may not necessarily involve organs being outside the body but can be a precursor to evisceration if not addressed promptly. A fistula is an abnormal connection between two body parts (such as blood vessels or organs) that can develop following surgery or injury, but it does not describe the condition of organs being outside the body.