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What is the indication for wound debridement?
I would also add that indication for debridement is also inclusive of hyperkeratosis (callosities) surrounding ulcer sites, especially heavily seen on the diabetic feet. This encourages healthier more vitalized tissue and new skin cells to form and quicken healing. Debridement is also indicated when there is good vascular status of the patient in question. If there are signs of PVD with higher chance of amputation then limb salvaging and debridement of necrotic tissue should be in combination to care from a vascular surgeon. If necessary, a duplex doppler ultrasound, toe pressure and ABPI may be performed to note any signs of vascular compromise. In which case, if PVD is present, patient may have to undergo a bypass or surgical intervention to correct this before safe debridement can take place. With vascular or neuro-vascualar wounds it is better to under-debride then over-debride as to not widen the area/size of the wound and spread of necrosis. I would state here that debridement should be based on the type of wound itself. Also there are many various forms of debridement (i.e. mechanical, surgical, biological, etc) that has to suit the wound type.
Wound debridement is used to remove most of the barriers which block the wound healing i.e: Bacteria, dead tissues (nectrotic or sloughy). Removal of dead tissues from the wound bed will defenitely accelerate the healing process. There are no devices to measure the debridement, however, the Wound care nurse or the Doctor can see some positive signs (like redness , some blood circulation or some blood around the wound, and for sure graduate healing of the tissues till you have complete closure).
Nectrotic tissue, (dead OR slougph tissue)