Which of the following events will necessitate re-exploration and cleaning of a surgical wound?

Re-exploration and cleaning of a surgical wound may be required when there is dehiscence. Dehiscence refers to the partial or complete separation of the layers of a surgical wound, which can expose underlying tissues and increase the risk of infection. In many cases, this can also lead to contamination of the wound and potential complications.

When dehiscence occurs, simply suturing the wound back together may not be sufficient, as the underlying cause needs to be addressed. The wound often requires thorough cleaning to remove any debris and bacteria, and may need to be re-evaluated for any additional surgical intervention to promote proper healing.

In contrast, while hematomas and seromas can also complicate the post-operative course, they do not inherently necessitate immediate re-exploration unless they are causing significant symptoms or complications, such as infection or pressure on surrounding structures. Infection itself is a serious complication that may require intervention, but the presence of dehiscence specifically indicates an immediate need for reassessment and may directly relate to contamination that necessitates cleaning and re-exploration.