Debridement: Rationale and therapeutic options

Debridement is commonly defined as the process of removing necrotic, devitalized tissue and foreign material from a wound. The presence of necrotic tissue within a wound may impair wound repair processes by stimulating inflammation and delaying granulation and epithelialization. However, the above definition of debridement may not tell the whole story. Debridement may additionally remove senescent cells from the wound bed and nonmigratory cells from the ulcer edge and also remove excessive or abnormal bacteria; all of which may allow for improved availability of growth factors. This supplement will review the rationale for debridement, existing clinical data supporting debridement, and the various debridement options available.