Wound Debridement

What is Wound Debridement?

Wound debridement is the process of removing dead or damaged tissue to promote healing. It’s an important process, because bacteria can build up in dead tissue and slow down the growth of healthy tissue.

There’s nonsurgical and surgical debridement, depending on the severity of the wound. Debridement is typically repeated throughout the wound healing process.

Types of Debridement

Several types of debridement are performed to promote healing.

• Autolytic Debridement: This method uses your body’s own enzymes and natural fluids to soften bad tissue. A moisture-retaining dressing is used for the process.
• Enzymatic Debridement: Enzymatic debridement, or chemical debridement, uses an ointment or gel with enzymes that soften unhealthy tissue. The enzymes may come from both plants and microorganisms. The medication is applied once or twice a day. The wound is covered with a dressing, which is changed regularly. The dressing takes away dead tissue when it’s removed.
• Mechanical Debridement: This is the most common type of wound debridement as it removes unhealthy tissue with a mechanical force, such as:
  • Hydrotherapy: Uses running water to wash away old tissue.
  • Monofilament debridement pads: A soft polyester pad is gently brushed across the wound. This removes bad tissue and wound debris.
  • Wet-to-dry dressing: Wet gauze is applied to the wound. After it dries and sticks to the wound, it’s physically removed, which takes away dead tissue.

Who Needs Wound Debridement?

Debridement is used for serious, chronic wounds or those that don’t heal. Your doctor will tell you if you need a debridement procedure to help heal a wound.