Last updated: 02/17/2009

The physician or nurse will begin by assessing the need for debridement. The wound will be examined, frequently by inserting a gloved finger into the wound to estimate the depth of dead tissue and evaluate whether it lies close to other organs, bone,...

or important body features. The assessment addresses the following points:

• the nature of the necrotic or ischaemic tissue and the best debridement procedure to follow
• the risk of spreading infection and the use of antibiotics
• the presence of underlying medical conditions causing the wound
• the extent of ischaemia in the wound tissues
• the location of the wound in the body
• the type of pain management to be used during the procedure

Before surgical or mechanical debridement, the area may be flushed with a saline solution, and an antalgic cream or injection may be applied. If the antalgic cream is used, it is usually applied over the exposed area some 90 minutes before the procedure.