Promoting Faster Wound Healing with Debridement Techniques

How Debridement Works

While debridement sometimes occurs naturally, most of the time a medical procedure is needed. A doctor can sometimes apply substances that will increase moisture, making it easier for the body to degrade and eliminate dead tissue from the wound. Other times, surgery will be necessary to remove any debris and dead material manually.
Different types of manual debridement available in Marin include:

• Autolytic Debridement
  Autolytic debridement uses the body’s own enzymes and moisture to rehydrate and soften hard eschar and slough in the wound, resulting in the liquefaction of dead tissue. This technique is virtually painless and is indicated for wounds with minimal necrosis and low infection rates..
• Biosurgery (Myiasis)
  Biosurgery involves using sterile maggots that digest slough and necrotic material in the wound, leaving the healthy tissue intact. This technique is highly effective for wounds with significant necrosis and low levels of healthy tissue.
• Enzymatic Debridement
  Enzymatic debridement uses chemical enzymes to dissolve and remove dead tissue from the wound. This process is relatively rapid and can be used for wounds with varying levels of necrosis and infection.
• Mechanical Debridement
  Mechanical debridement involves the removal of necrotic tissue and debris from the wound using mechanical force. This technique is often used in conjunction with other forms of debridement and is appropriate for wounds with a high degree of necrosis.
• Surgical Debridement
  Surgical debridement, including sharp surgical debridement and laser debridement, is the fastest method for removing dead tissue from the wound. This technique is used for wounds with significant necrosis and infection and is often followed by other forms of debridement.