Surgical wound debridement

Surgical debridement is usually performed in an operating theatre, using regional or general anaesthetic. Increasingly, it is being performed with topical or directly infiltrated local anaesthetic. Surgical wound debridement is indicated for wounds with extensive necrotic tissue, or to control infection (eg for severe cellulitis or osteomyelitis).

This method of debridement is the most rapid and highly selective. However, the degree of expertise required increases the cost and limits availability. Surgical debridement has an increased risk of pain, bleeding, infection (including bloodstream infection) and damage to underlying structures, including tendon sheaths and nerves. There are also risks associated with the anaesthesia. Caution is required for patients with a high risk of bleeding (eg those with clotting disorders or taking an anticoagulant) and in patients with diabetes or peripheral arterial disease.