Tissue Debridement

 

Debridement prepares wounds for proper healing.

It removes foreign bodies, callus, and necrotic tissue. It also allows for proper assessment of an ulcer.

 

Debride if there is a deep echar, purulence, infection, or a large area of necrotic tissue.

 

Do not debride if:

• the wound has healthy granulation tissue
• the ulcer is ischemic (arterial)
• the overall goal is not wound healing
• there is dry gangrene
• there is no pulse in the affected limb

 

Ways to Debride:

mechanical debridement uses gauze

autolytic debridement uses hydrocolloid dressing with occluds, mascerates, and uses self enzymes to break down tissue

larvae can be used but most be imported

surgery is the best means of debridement