Debridement
Debridement
Definition
Purpose
Description
Diagnosis/Preparation
Aftercare
Risks
Normal results
Alternatives
Definition
Debridement is the process of removing dead (necrotic) tissue or foreign material from and around a wound to expose healthy tissue.
Purpose
An open wound or ulcer can not be properly evaluated until the dead tissue or foreign matter is removed. Wounds that contain necrotic and ischemic (low oxygen content) tissue take longer to close and heal. This is because necrotic tissue provides an ideal growth medium for bacteria, especially for Bacteroides spp. and Clostridium perfringens that causes the gas gangrene so feared in military medical practice. Though a wound may not necessarily be infected, the bacteria can cause inflammation and strain the body’s ability to fight infection. Debridement is also used to treat pockets of pus called abscesses. Abscesses can develop into a general infection that may invade the bloodstream (sepsis) and lead to amputation and even death. Burned tissue or tissue exposed to corrosive substances tends to form a hard black crust, called an eschar, while deeper tissue remains moist and white, yellow and soft, or flimsy and inflamed. Eschars may also require debridement to promote healing.
Description
The four major debridement techniques are surgical, mechanical, chemical, and autolytic.
Surgical debridement
Surgical debridement (also known as sharp debridement) uses a scalpel, scissors, or other instrument to cut necrotic tissue from a wound. It is the quickest and most efficient method of debridement. It is the preferred method if there is rapidly developing inflammation of the body’s connective tissues (cellulitis) or a more generalized infection (sepsis) that has entered the bloodstream. The physician starts by flushing the area with a saline (salt water) solution, and then applies a topical anesthetic or antalgic gel to the edges of the wound to minimize pain. Using forceps to grip the dead tissue, the physician cuts it away bit by bit with a scalpel or scissors. Sometimes it is necessary to leave some dead tissue behind rather than disturb living tissue. The physician may repeat the process again at another session.
Mechanical debridement
In mechanical debridement, a saline-moistened dressing is allowed to dry overnight and adhere to the dead tissue. When the dressing is removed, the dead tissue is pulled away too. This process is one of the oldest methods of debridement. It can be very painful because the dressing can adhere to living as well as nonliving tissue. Because mechanical debridement cannot select between good and bad tissue, it is an unacceptable debridement method for clean wounds where a new layer of healing cells is already developing.
Chemical debridement
Chemical debridement makes use of certain enzymes and other compounds to dissolve necrotic tissue. It is more selective than mechanical debridement. In fact, the body makes its own enzyme, collage-nase, to break down collagen, one of the major building blocks of skin. A pharmaceutical version of collagenase is available and is highly effective as a debridement agent. As with other debridement techniques, the area first is flushed with saline. Any crust of dead tissue is etched in a cross-hatched pattern to allow the enzyme to penetrate. A topical antibiotic is also applied to prevent introducing infection into the bloodstream. A moist dressing is then placed over the wound.
Autolytic debridement
Autolytic debridement takes advantage of the body’s own ability to dissolve dead tissue. The key to the technique is keeping the wound moist, which can be accomplished with a variety of dressings . These dressings help to trap wound fluid that contains growth factors, enzymes, and immune cells that promote wound healing. Autolytic debridement is more selective than any other debridement method, but it also takes the longest to work. It is inappropriate for wounds that have become infected.
Biological debridement
Maggot therapy is a form of biological debridement known since antiquity. The larvae of Lucilia sericata (greenbottle fly) are applied to the wound as these organisms can digest necrotic tissue and pathogenic bacteria. The method is rapid and selective, although patients are usually reluctant to submit to the procedure.
Diagnosis/Preparation
The physician or nurse will begin by assessing the need for debridement. The wound will be examined,
KEY TERMS
Abscess— A localized collection of pus buried in tissues or organs that may or may not discharge and usually results from an infectious process.
Anaerobic— Pertaining to a microorganism that either does not use oxygen or actually cannot live in the presence of oxygen.
Antalgic— Medication that alleviates pain.
Bacteroides— A family of anaerobic, rod-shaped bacteria. Its organisms are normal inhabitants of the oral, respiratory, intestinal, and urogenital cavities of humans, animals, and insects. Some species are infectious agents.
Eschar— A hardened dry crust that forms on skin exposed to burns or corrosive agents.
Gangrene— Death of tissue, usually in considerable mass and generally associated with loss of blood supply and followed by bacterial infection and decomposition.
Gas gangrene— A severe form of gangrene caused by Clostridium infection.
Hypoxia— Reduction of oxygen supply to tissues below physiological requirements despite adequate perfusion of the tissue by blood.
Ischemic— Tissue that has a low oxygen supply due to obstruction of the arterial blood supply or inadequate blood flow.
Necrotic— Affected with necrosis (cell death).
Pressure ulcer— Also known as a decubitus ulcer, pressure ulcers are open wounds that form whenever prolonged pressure is applied to skin covering bony outcrops of the body. Patients who are bedridden are at risk of developing pressure ulcers, commonly known as bedsores.
Sepsis— A severe systemic infection in which bacteria have entered the bloodstream.
frequently by inserting a gloved finger into the wound to estimate the depth of dead tissue and evaluate whether it lies close to other organs, bone, or important body features. The assessment addresses the following points:
- the nature of the necrotic or ischemic tissue and the best debridement procedure to follow
- the risk of spreading infection and the use of antibiotics
- the presence of underlying medical conditions causing the wound
WHO PERFORMS THE PROCEDURE AND WHERE IS IT PERFORMED?
Debridement is performed by physicians such as plastic surgeons, dermatologists or surgeons, depending on the condition requiring the procedure. General physicians and surgeons are all trained in debridement techniques and they usually perform debridement procedures. Nurses specializing in wound care are prepared to perform conservative sharp wound debridement once they have satisfactorily completed didactic and clinical instruction in the sharp debridement procedure from an accredited agency, wound management specialty course, or an approved course in debridement.
Surgical debridement is usually performed on an outpatient basis or at the bedside. If the target tissue is deep or close to another organ, however, or if the patient is experiencing extreme pain, the procedure may be done in an operating room.
- the extent of ischemia in the wound tissues
- the location of the wound in the body
- the type of pain management to be used during the procedure
Before surgical or mechanical debridement, the area may be flushed with a saline solution, and an antalgic cream or injection may be applied. If the ant-algic cream is used, it is usually applied over the exposed area some 90 minutes before the procedure.
Aftercare
After surgical debridement, the wound is usually packed with a dry dressing for a day to control bleeding. Afterward, moist dressings are applied to promote wound healing. Moist dressings are also used after mechanical, chemical, and autolytic debridement. Many factors contribute to wound healing, which frequently can take considerable time. Debridement may need to be repeated.
Risks
It is possible that underlying tendons, blood vessels or other structures may be damaged during the examination of the wound and during surgical debridement. Surface bacteria may also be introduced deeper into the body, causing infection.
QUESTIONS TO ASK THE DOCTOR
- Why debride my wound?
- How long will it take to heal?
- Is there a risk of infection?
- Will there be a scar?
- Can I wash the wound?
- Will the procedure hurt?
Normal results
Removal of dead tissue from pressure ulcers and other wounds speeds healing. Although these procedures cause some pain, they are generally well tolerated by patients and can be managed more aggressively. It is not uncommon to debride a wound again in a subsequent session.
Alternatives
Adjunctive therapies include electrotherapy and low laser irradiation. However, at present, insufficient research has been completed to recommend their general use.
Not all wounds need debridement. Sometimes it is better to leave a hardened crust of dead tissue (eschar), than to remove it and create an open wound, particularly if the crust is stable and the wound is not inflamed. Before performing debridement, the physician will take a medical history with attention to factors that might complicate healing, such as medications being taken and smoking. The physician will also note the cause of the wound and the ways it has been treated. Some ulcers and other wounds occur in places where blood flow is impaired, for example, the foot ulcers that can accompany diabetes mellitus. In such cases, the physician or nurse may decide not to debride the wound because blood flow may be insufficient for proper healing.
Resources
BOOKS
Falanga, V., and K. G. Harding, eds. The Clinical Relevance of Wound Bed Preparation. New York: Springer Verlag, 2002.
Harper, Michael S. Debridement. Berkeley, CA: Paradigm Press, 2001.
Maklebust, JoAnn and Mary Y. Sieggreen. Pressure Ulcers: Guidelines for Prevention and Nursing Management. 2nd ed. Springhouse, PA: Springhouse Corporation, 1996.
PERIODICALS
Dervin, G. F., I. G. Stiell, K. Rody, and J. Grabowski. “Effect of Arthroscopic Debridement for Osteoarthritis of the Knee on Health-Related Quality of Life.” The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery (American) 85-A (January 2003): 10–19.
Friberg, T. R., M. Ohji, J. J. Scherer, and Y. Tano. “Frequency of Epithelial Debridement During Diabetic Vitrectomy.” American Journal of Ophthalmology 135 (April 2003): 553–554.
Reynolds, N., N. Cawrse, T. Burge, and J. Kenealy. “Debridement of a Mixed Partial and Full Thickness Burn With an Erbium: YAG Laser.” Burns 29 (March 2003): 183–188.
Schirmer, B. D., A. D. Miller, and M. S. Miller. “Single Operative Debridement for Pancreatic Abscess.” Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery 7 (February 2003): 289.
Terzi, C., A. Bacakoglu, T. Unek, and M. H. Ozkan. “Chemical Necrotizing Fasciitis Due to Household Insecticide Injection: Is Immediate Radical Surgical Debridement Necessary?” Human & Experimental Toxicology 21 (December 2002): 687–690.
Wolff, H., and C. Hansson. “Larval Therapy—an Effective Method of Ulcer Debridement.” Clinical and Experimental Dermatology 28 (March 2003): 134–137.
ORGANIZATIONS
American Academy of Wound Management. 1255 23rd St., NW, Washington, DC 20037. (202) 521-0368. http://www.aawm.org.
Wound Care Institute. 1100 N.E. 163rd Street, Suite #101, North Miami Beach, FL 33162. (305) 919-9192. <http://woundcare.org>.
OTHER
Moses, Scott. “Wound Debridement.” Family Practice Notebook. February 12, 2003 [cited May 15, 2003]. http://www.fpnotebook.com/SUR12.htm.
“Types of Wound Debridement.” Wound Care Information Network: Types of Wound Debridement. 2002 [cited May 15, 2003]. http://www.medicaledu.com/debridhp.htm.
Richard H. Camer
Monique Laberge, PhD
Decubitus ulcers seeBedsores
Debridement
Debridement
Definition
Debridement is the process of removing dead (necrotic) tissue or foreign material from and around a wound to expose healthy tissue.
Purpose
An open wound or ulcer can not be properly evaluated until the dead tissue or foreign matter is removed. Wounds that contain necrotic and ischemic (low oxygen content) tissue take longer to close and heal. This is because necrotic tissue provides an ideal growth medium for bacteria, especially for Bacteroides spp. and Clostridium perfringens that causes the gas gangrene so feared in military medical practice. Though a wound may not necessarily be infected, the bacteria can cause inflammation and strain the body's ability to fight infection. Debridement is also used to treat pockets of pus called abscesses. Abscesses can develop into a general infection that may invade the bloodstream (sepsis) and lead to amputation and even death. Burned tissue or tissue exposed to corrosive substances tends to form a hard black crust, called an eschar, while deeper tissue remains moist and white, yellow and soft, or flimsy and inflamed. Eschars may also require debridement to promote healing.
Description
The four major debridement techniques are surgical, mechanical, chemical, and autolytic.
Surgical debridement
Surgical debridement (also known as sharp debridement) uses a scalpel, scissors, or other instrument to cut necrotic tissue from a wound. It is the quickest and most efficient method of debridement. It is the preferred method if there is rapidly developing inflammation of the body's connective tissues (cellulitis) or a more generalized alized infection (sepsis) that has entered the bloodstream. The physician starts by flushing the area with a saline (salt water) solution, and then applies a topical anesthetic or antalgic gel to the edges of the wound to minimize pain. Using forceps to grip the dead tissue, the physician cuts it away bit by bit with a scalpel or scissors. Sometimes it is necessary to leave some dead tissue behind rather than disturb living tissue. The physician may repeat the process again at another session.
Mechanical debridement
In mechanical debridement, a saline-moistened dressing is allowed to dry overnight and adhere to the dead tissue. When the dressing is removed, the dead tissue is pulled away too. This process is one of the oldest methods of debridement. It can be very painful because the dressing can adhere to living as well as nonliving tissue. Because mechanical debridement cannot select between good and bad tissue, it is an unacceptable debridement method for clean wounds where a new layer of healing cells is already developing.
Chemical debridement
Chemical debridement makes use of certain enzymes and other compounds to dissolve necrotic tissue. It is more selective than mechanical debridement. In fact, the body makes its own enzyme, collagenase, to break down collagen, one of the major building blocks of skin. A pharmaceutical version of collagenase is available and is highly effective as a debridement agent. As with other debridement techniques, the area first is flushed with saline. Any crust of dead tissue is etched in a crosshatched pattern to allow the enzyme to penetrate. A topical antibiotic is also applied to prevent introducing infection into the bloodstream. A moist dressing is then placed over the wound.
Autolytic debridement
Autolytic debridement takes advantage of the body's own ability to dissolve dead tissue. The key to the technique is keeping the wound moist, which can be accomplished with a variety of dressings. These dressings help to trap wound fluid that contains growth factors, enzymes, and immune cells that promote wound healing. Autolytic debridement is more selective than any other debridement method, but it also takes the longest to work. It is inappropriate for wounds that have become infected.
Biological debridement
Maggot therapy is a form of biological debridement known since antiquity. The larvae of Lucilia sericata (greenbottle fly) are applied to the wound as these organisms can digest necrotic tissue and pathogenic bacteria. The method is rapid and selective, although patients are usually reluctant to submit to the procedure.
Diagnosis/Preparation
The physician or nurse will begin by assessing the need for debridement. The wound will be examined, frequently by inserting a gloved finger into the wound to estimate the depth of dead tissue and evaluate whether it lies close to other organs, bone, or important body features. The assessment addresses the following points:
- the nature of the necrotic or ischaemic tissue and the best debridement procedure to follow
- the risk of spreading infection and the use of antibiotics
- the presence of underlying medical conditions causing the wound
- the extent of ischaemia in the wound tissues
- the location of the wound in the body
- the type of pain management to be used during the procedure
Before surgical or mechanical debridement, the area may be flushed with a saline solution, and an antalgic cream or injection may be applied. If the antalgic cream is used, it is usually applied over the exposed area some 90 minutes before the procedure.
Aftercare
After surgical debridement, the wound is usually packed with a dry dressing for a day to control bleeding. Afterward, moist dressings are applied to promote wound healing. Moist dressings are also used after mechanical, chemical, and autolytic debridement. Many factors contribute to wound healing, which frequently can take considerable time. Debridement may need to be repeated.
Risks
It is possible that underlying tendons, blood vessels or other structures may be damaged during the examination of the wound and during surgical debridement. Surface bacteria may also be introduced deeper into the body, causing infection.
Normal results
Removal of dead tissue from pressure ulcers and other wounds speeds healing. Although these procedures cause some pain, they are generally well tolerated by patients and can be managed more aggressively. It is not uncommon to debride a wound again in a subsequent session.
Alternatives
Adjunctive therapies include electrotherapy and low laser irradiation. However, at present, insufficient research has been completed to recommend their general use.
Not all wounds need debridement. Sometimes it is better to leave a hardened crust of dead tissue (eschar), than to remove it and create an open wound, particularly if the crust is stable and the wound is not inflamed. Before performing debridement, the physician will take a medical history with attention to factors that might complicate healing, such as medications being taken and smoking. The physician will also note the cause of the wound and the ways it has been treated. Some ulcers and other wounds occur in places where blood flow is impaired, for example, the foot ulcers that can accompany diabetes mellitus. In such cases, the physician or nurse may decide not to debride the wound because blood flow may be insufficient for proper healing.
Resources
books
falanga, v., and k. g. harding, eds. the clinical relevance of wound bed preparation. new york: springer verlag, 2002.
harper, michael s. debridement. berkeley, ca: paradigm press, 2001.
maklebust, joann and mary y. sieggreen. pressure ulcers: guidelines for prevention and nursing management. 2nd ed. springhouse, pa: springhouse corporation, 1996.
periodicals
dervin, g. f., i. g. stiell, k. rody, and j. grabowski. "effect of arthroscopic debridement for osteoarthritis of the knee on health-related quality of life." the journal of bone and joint surgery (american) 85-a (january 2003): 10–19.
friberg, t. r., m. ohji, j. j. scherer, and y. tano. "frequency of epithelial debridement during diabetic vitrectomy." american journal of ophthalmology 135 (april 2003): 553–554.
reynolds, n., n. cawrse, t. burge, and j. kenealy. "debridement of a mixed partial and full thickness burn with an erbium: yag laser." burns 29 (march 2003): 183–188.
schirmer, b. d., a. d. miller, and m. s. miller. "single operative debridement for pancreatic abscess." journal of gastrointestinal surgery 7 (february 2003): 289.
terzi, c., a. bacakoglu, t. unek, and m. h. ozkan. "chemical necrotizing fasciitis due to household insecticide injection: is immediate radical surgical debridement necessary?" human & experimental toxicology 21 (december 2002): 687–690.
wolff, h., and c. hansson. "larval therapy—an effective method of ulcer debridement." clinical and experimental dermatology 28 (march 2003): 134–137.
organizations
american academy of wound management. 1255 23rd st., nw, washington, dc 20037. (202) 521-0368. <http://www.aawm.org>.
wound care institute. 1100 n.e. 163rd street, suite #101, north miami beach, fl 33162. (305) 919-9192. <http://woundcare.org>.
other
moses, scott. "wound debridement." family practice notebook. february 12, 2003 [cited may 15, 2003]. <http://www.fpnotebook.com/sur12.htm>.
"types of wound debridement." wound care information network: types of wound debridement. 2002 [cited may 15, 2003]. <http://www.medicaledu.com/debridhp.htm>.
Richard H. Camer Monique Laberge, Ph.D.
WHO PERFORMS THE PROCEDURE AND WHERE IS IT PERFORMED?
Debridement is performed by physicians such as plastic surgeons, dermatologists or surgeons, depending on the condition requiring the procedure. General physicians and surgeons are all trained in debridement techniques and they usually perform debridement procedures. Nurses specializing in wound care are prepared to perform conservative sharp wound debridement once they have satisfactorily completed didactic and clinical instruction in the sharp debridement procedure from an accredited agency, wound management specialty course, or an approved course in debridement.
Surgical debridement is usually performed on an outpatient basis or at the bedside. If the target tissue is deep or close to another organ, however, or if the patient is experiencing extreme pain, the procedure may be done in an operating room .
QUESTIONS TO ASK THE DOCTOR
- Why debride my wound?
- How long will it take to heal?
- Is there a risk of infection?
- Will there be a scar?
- Can I wash the wound?
- Will the procedure hurt?
Debridement
Debridement
Definition
Debridement is the process of removing nonliving tissue from pressure ulcers, burns, and other wounds.
Purpose
Debridement speeds the healing of pressure ulcers, burns, and other wounds. Wounds that contain non-living (necrotic) tissue take longer to heal. The necrotic tissue may become colonized with bacteria, producing an unpleasant odor. Though the wound is not necessarily infected, the bacteria can cause inflammation and strain the body's ability to fight infection. Necrotic tissue may also hide pockets of pus called abscesses. Abscesses can develop into a general infection that may lead to amputation or death.
Precautions
Not all wounds need debridement. Sometimes it is better to leave a hardened crust of dead tissue, called an eschar, than to remove it and create an open wound, particularly if the crust is stable and the wound is not inflamed. Before performing debridement, the physician will take a medical history with attention to factors that might complicate healing, such as medications being taken and smoking. The physician will also note the cause of the wound and the ways it has been treated. Some ulcers and other wounds occur in places where blood flow is impaired, for example, the foot ulcers that can accompany diabetes mellitus. In such cases, the physician or nurse may decide not to debride the wound because blood flow may be insufficient for proper healing.
Description
In debridement, dead tissue is removed so that the remaining living tissue can adequately heal. Dead tissue exposed to the air will form a hard black crust, called an eschar. Deeper tissue will remain moist and may appear white, or yellow and soft, or flimsy. The four major debridement techniques are surgical, mechanical, chemical, and autolytic.
Surgical debridement
Surgical debridement (also known as sharp debridement) uses a scalpel, scissors, or other instrument to cut dead tissue from a wound. It is the quickest and most efficient method of debridement. It is the preferred method if there is rapidly developing inflammation of the body's connective tissues (cellulitis ) or a more generalized infection (sepsis) that has entered the bloodstream. The procedure can be performed at a patient's bedside. If the target tissue is deep or close to another organ, however, or if the patient is experiencing extreme pain, the procedure may be done in an operating room. Surgical debridement is generally performed by a physician, but in some areas of the country an advance practice nurse or physician assistant may perform the procedure.
The physician will begin by flushing the area with a saline (salt water) solution, and then will apply a topical anesthetic gel to the edges of the wound to minimize pain. Using a forceps to grip the dead tissue, the physician will cut it away bit by bit with a scalpel or scissors. Sometimes it is necessary to leave some dead tissue behind rather than disturb living tissue. The physician may repeat the process again at another session.
Mechanical debridement
In mechanical debridement, a saline-moistened dressing is allowed to dry overnight and adhere to the dead tissue. When the dressing is removed, the dead tissue is pulled away too. This process is one of the oldest methods of debridement. It can be very painful because the dressing can adhere to living as well as nonliving tissue. Because mechanical debridement cannot select between good and bad tissue, it is an unacceptable debridement method for clean wounds where a new layer of healing cells is already developing.
Chemical debridement
Chemical debridement makes use of certain enzymes and other compounds to dissolve necrotic tissue. It is more selective than mechanical debridement. In fact, the body makes its own enzyme, collagenase, to break down collagen, one of the major building blocks of skin. A pharmaceutical version of collagenase is available and is highly effective as a debridement agent. As with other debridement techniques, the area first is flushed with saline. Any crust of dead tissue is etched in a cross-hatched pattern to allow the enzyme to penetrate. A topical antibiotic is also applied to prevent introducing infection into the bloodstream. A moist dressing is then placed over the wound.
Autolytic debridement
Autolytic debridement takes advantage of the body's own ability to dissolve dead tissue. The key to the technique is keeping the wound moist, which can be accomplished with a variety of dressings. These dressings help to trap wound fluid that contains growth factors, enzymes, and immune cells that promote wound healing. Autolytic debridement is more selective than any other debridement method, but it also takes the longest to work. It is inappropriate for wounds that have become infected.
KEY TERMS
Eschar— A hardened black crust of dead tissue that may form over a wound.
Pressure ulcer— Also known as a decubitus ulcer, pressure ulcers are open wounds that form whenever prolonged pressure is applied to skin covering bony outcrops of the body. Patients who are bedridden are at risk of developing pressure ulcers. Pressure ulcers are commonly known as bedsores.
Sepsis— A severe systemic infection in which bacteria have entered the blood stream.
Preparation
The physician or nurse will begin by assessing the need for debridement. The wound will be examined, frequently by inserting a gloved finger into the wound to estimate the depth of dead tissue and evaluate whether it lies close to other organs, bone, or important body features. The area may be flushed with a saline solution before debridement begins, and a topical anesthetic gel or injection may be applied if surgical or mechanical debridement is being performed.
Aftercare
After surgical debridement, the wound will be packed with a dry dressing for a day to control bleeding. Afterward, moist dressings are applied to promote wound healing. Moist dressings are also used after mechanical, chemical, and autolytic debridement. Many factors contribute to wound healing, which frequently can take considerable time. Debridement may need to be repeated.
Risks
It is possible that underlying tendons, blood vessels or other structures will be damaged during the examination of the wound and during surgical debridement. Surface bacteria may also be introduced deeper into the body, causing infection.
Normal results
Removal of dead tissue from pressure ulcers and other wounds speeds healing. Although these procedures cause some pain, they are generally well tolerated by patients and can be managed more aggressively. It is not uncommon to debride a wound again in a subsequent session.
Resources
ORGANIZATIONS
American Academy of Wound Management. 1255 23rd St., NW, Washington, DC 20037. (202) 521-0368.〈http://www.aawm.org〉.
Wound Care Institute. 1100 N.E. 163rd Street, Suite #101, North Miami Beach, FL 33162. (305) 919-9192. 〈http://woundcare.org〉.