Wound Debridement Options: 5 Main Techniques

There are multiple options available when it comes to wound care in Dallas, TX. But which technique is best for each patient? The answer varies by the type of wound and the healthcare providers’ expertise in the treatment and sometimes even your general health. Wound debridement can be a very involved process that requires multiple steps and isn’t always comfortable. However, it is necessary for proper wound healing to remove the damaged tissue from a wound so new, healthy tissue can grow in its place. To help you better understand what wound debridement involves, as well as some of your options, visit Dr. Autumn Savage in Dallas, Texas.

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  Surgical Debridement

This thorough wound debridement involves making minor cuts into the skin around the wound to remove all damaged tissue, including granulation tissue and slough. Also known as sharp debridement, this is typically performed by a healthcare professional in a clinical setting, although patients can sometimes complete this process at home.

Surgical debridement is usually reserved for more extensive wounds where other types of debridement would take too much time and use too many resources.

• Mechanical Debridement

This wound debridement uses a mechanical, non-manual process to remove damaged tissue. The most common form of this technique is called enzymatic debridement, which involves filling the wound with powder or gel. 

It releases enzymes that can target damaged cells in the surrounding area as they begin to dissolve. This type of debridement is typically used on wounds that are starting to heal, as it can keep this process moving forward.

• Autolytic Debridement

This method of wound debridement uses a substance secreted by the cells in a healthy body to help dissolve dead skin and tissue. The most common form of autolytic debridement is called bioDerm. BioDerm uses a human skin substitute to dissolve the debris around a wound.

The unique thing about this particular process is that it doesn’t require any special preparation on the patient or doctor before it can be performed. It can also be done at home, making it one of the most convenient wound debridement processes.

• Enzymatic Debridement

This process of wound debridement involves using a substance specifically designed to break down dead cells and tissue. Enzymes in this solution help dissolve the debris around an injury, making it easier for your body to heal from the damage.

A common type of enzymatic debridement is called hydrogel or hydro-mesh. Hydrogel, from a hydrogel manufacturer, is a substance that contains enzymes that help break down damaged cells and tissue. It is then absorbed into the body, leaving new, healthy skin with minimal scarring.

• Biological Debridement

This process of wound debridement uses actual living tissue to help clean up the damaged cells around the wound. These tissues are typically harvested from animals or humans.

The benefit of biological debridement is that it provides new, healthy skin with minimal scarring and downtime for the patient. The drawback is that it can be hard to find a doctor who has experience with this method of wound care.

There are many different techniques for wound debridement, each with its benefits. Your healthcare provider will help you choose the best plan for your situation. In most cases, a combination of methods can be necessary to cleanse and heal your wound as quickly and effectively as possible.