Using wound debridement to help achieve the goals of care

The removal of devitalized tissue, particulate matter, or foreign materials from a wound, debridement, is often the first goal of wound care. Debridement can be accomplished surgically (instrument/sharp), chemically, mechanically or by means of autolysis. Each procedure has distinct advantages, disadvantages, indications for use and risks, and a combination of methods will often expedite the process while limiting the chance of complications. Depending on the method used as well as a variety of local and systemic factors, chronic wound debridement can take anywhere from a few days to more than a month. Even though wound debridement is often discussed separately, particularly when managing patients with chronic wounds, it should not be viewed in isolation. Rather, it is one aspect of total patient care. Measures to facilitate the healing process in general should be employed at all times, because debridement and wound healing can occur simultaneously.