What is Surgical Debridement?

Accidents happen every day. Usually no harm is done, but occasionally injuries result. Minor cuts and scrapes are common. Some wounds, however, such as gashes and burns, damage the skin and possibly the underlying tissue. These types of injuries may require a procedure known as debridement.

Definition

• Human skin is constantly sloughing off and regenerating. Debridement is a process by which a medical professional removes dead layers of skin tissue to make way for the growth of new, healthy tissue.

Purpose

• Debridement is a treatment for skin injuries, but it may also be used for skin conditions that result from chronic disease such as diabetes, or living conditions such as immobility causing bed sores.

Types

• Debridement has several types with varying in levels of invasiveness. For example, mechanical debridement is a procedure in which moist and dry dressings are alternately applied to absorb wounded tissue. Surgical debridement is a more invasive treatment used for injuries that are more serious.

Procedure

• Surgery may be necessary.

  A doctor uses a sharp instrument to cut away necrotic tissue. The doctor performs this procedure bedside with local anesthesia for pain, or if needed, in the operating room with general anesthesia. Surgical debridement is the most invasive form of debridement and used when a significant amount of tissue needs removal or when the wound becomes infected.

Recovery

• The doctor will apply dressings after the surgery that will be changed regularly in the days following the procedure. Recovery time will vary based on the severity of the wound.

Risks and Prognosis

• After-care is critical.

  Any surgery has risks. Surgery can damage surrounding structures and infection is possible. Surgical debridement, however, is generally a safe procedure in which patients recover completely if they follow after-care instructions inform their doctors if post-surgery problems arise.