Sharp Debridement of Wounds

A scalpel can be used for sharp debridement.

Typically, wounds heal well with conventional care. Some wounds require more medical intervention, including debridement, or the removal of dead tissue, in order to heal properly.

Sharp Debridement

Sharp debridement is the preferred method for treating infected wounds. In sharp debridement, dead tissue is removed from a wound using sterile scissors or a scalpel. It can be a painful process and a patient could bleed afterward.

Contraindications

Sharp debridement should not be used on a patient who has an uncontrolled bleeding disorder, according to the Visiting Nurse Association of America. Because of the risk of damage to healthy tissues, only a fully trained medical professional should perform the procedure.

Considerations

If the wound in need of debridement is extensive, the procedure should be performed in an operating room. Smaller wounds can be debrided at a patient's bedside, according to "Fundamental Nursing Skills and Concepts."

References

• Visiting Nurse Association of America: Wound Care
• "Fundamental Nursing Skills and Concepts"; Barbara Kuhn Timby; 2008