It is often a point of confusion for patients, family members, and even clinical professionals, when debridement is recommended for the treatment of an acute, or chronic wound. “Why would making a wound larger be helpful, when our goal is to make it heal?"
Debridement is the removal of dead, damaged, or infected tissue from a wound, and it is a standard part of wound care for many types of wounds. The benefits of debridement are well-established and supported by a large body of clinical evidence.
Debridement helps to promote wound healing by removing debris, bacteria, and other harmful substances from the wound bed, which can impede the healing process. It also helps to stimulate the growth of healthy new tissue, which can speed up the healing process.
Several studies have demonstrated the benefits of debridement for wound healing. For example:
A systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Journal of Wound Care in 2019 found that debridement was associated with a significant reduction in wound healing time and a higher rate of complete wound healing compared to non-debridement treatments.
A randomized controlled trial published in the Annals of Emergency Medicine in 2015 found that debridement of traumatic wounds reduced the risk of infection and improved wound healing outcomes compared to non-debridement treatment.
A systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews in 2016 found that debridement was associated with a faster rate of healing and a reduced risk of infection in diabetic foot ulcers.
Overall, the clinical evidence strongly supports the use of debridement as a standard part of wound care for many types of wounds. It's important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate debridement technique for a specific wound, as there are different types of debridement, including surgical, mechanical, enzymatic, and autolytic debridement, and the most appropriate technique may depend on the type and severity of the wound.
WoundCentrics providers receive extensive training in the theory and techniques of debridement, making them uniquely capable of delivering high-quality wound care, tailored to the Whole Patient, not just the hole in the patient.