Types of Wound debridement
- Achieved with moist interactive dressings by use of hydrogels and hydrocolloids
(hydrogel is not an ACTIVE debriding agent, but rather donates moisture to the wound bed, so enhances debridement) - Slow
- Painless
- Liquefies slough and promotes growth of granulation tissue
- Natural breakdown by naturally occurring enzymes such as collagen and protease found in wound fluid
B. Mechanical Debridement
- Removal of dead tissue through use of wet to dry dressings and irrigation
C. Surgical/Sharp Debridement
- Must be done by a trained healthcare professional with support of institutional policy
“Gold Standard”
- Fastest and most aggressive method of debridement
- Removal of tissue through use of scissors or scalpel
D. Enzymatic Debridement
- Most selective form of debridement
- Enzymes work to degrade debris (e.g. Santyl®)
E. Biological Debridement
- Maggots are used to remove necrotic tissue from the wound bed (currently not in use at LHSC)
F. Osmotic Debridement
- Creates chemical pull causing necrotic tissue to be lifted off
- Products assisting with chemical pull include hypergels and mesalt
- Faster than enzymatic debridement
