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Sharp Debridement | Wound Debridement Techniques

June 22, 2012 4 Comments

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Another week has passed, and this week we turn to sharp debridement in our brief series on the different techniques available for debriding wounds.

What is Sharp Debridement?

Sharp debridement refers to the use of forceps, scissors, or a scalpel to remove devitalized tissue, debris or other foreign materials from a wound bed.(1–3) After surgical debridement, sharp debridement is the most aggressive form of debridement available to clinicians, and also the most rapid. Nationally, sharp debridement may be performed by either physicians or podiatrists, with other medical practitioners permitted to perform the procedure in certain states according to the laws and practice acts of the individual state.(1)

Repeated Sharp Debridement

Vigorous and repeated sharp debridement of necrotic tissue and debris is considered the standard of care for many patients with open wounds.(1) The technique is indicated in wounds presenting with significant necrosis, callus, advancing cellulitis or sepsis, or thick adherent eschar.(1) Chronic wounds tend to require repeated debridement because of the likely re-emergence of necrotic tissue and bioburden in the wound bed.(1)

Contraindications of Sharp Debridement

Sharp debridement has a number of contraindications, and should not be used when area cannot be adequately visualized or when the material to be debrided is unidentified. The technique should be used with caution in patients who are immunosuppressed, thrombocytopenic, or receiving anticoagulant therapy.(1)

As sharp debridement can be stressful for the patient, the procedure should be halted if the patient experiences uncontrolled pain or if there is extensive bleeding. Importantly, the procedure should not proceed if the clinician fatigues, and should only be undertaken if sufficient time is available to both clinician and patient.(1)

Next week we turn from sharp debridement to surgical debridement, the most aggressive form of debridement available to clinicians.

Learn More With Our Wound Care Education Options

Interested in learning more about wound care and certification? Browse through our online wound care certification classes for information on our comprehensive range of education options to suit healthcare professionals across the full spectrum of qualifications and experience.

References

  1. Myers BA. Wound management principles and practice. 2nd ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson; 2008.
  2. Ayello EA, Baranoski S, Cuddigan J, Sibbald RG. Wound Debridement. In: Baranoski S, Ayello EA, eds. Wound Care Essentials: Practice Principles. 2nd Edition. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Ambler PA. 2008.
  3. Ramundo JM. In: Bryant RA and Nix DP. Acute and chronic wounds. Current management concepts. 3rd ed. St Louis, Missouri; Mosby Elsevier; 2007.

Categories: Wound Bed Preparation

About the Author

Laurie Swezey's avatar

Laurie Swezey, founder and president of WoundEducators.com, has been a Registered Nurse for more than a quarter century, with most of those years dedicated to wound treatment. Ms. Swezey is a Certified Wound Care Nurse and a Certified Wound Specialist.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Agung says

    April 27, 2014 at 6:03 am

    I had a diabetic foot ulcer a culpoe of years ago from walking my dog for an half hour wearing tennis shoes with no sox( didnt have any with me and had done thiat a few times before with no problem) as soon as I got home my foot was itching on the top so I washed my feet and put some neosporin on it because it was red . woke up the next am and it was like flesh went to the ER they sent me home with a foot splint and an appt with a podiatrist the next day~it was late night so no podiatrist were in The next day they put me on a boat load of meds and took me off work for a month! It was only the size of a half dollar but they were concerned.It ended up taking about a month and a half to heal and I still have a scar. I would have never believed something so small and minor could become so bad in such a short time!

    Reply
    • Laurie Swezey says

      May 5, 2014 at 3:06 pm

      I am so happy that your wound healed. Diabetic ulcers can be difficult to heal. You were so smart to go to the ER! Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
  2. Pat Gauthier says

    October 3, 2019 at 3:47 pm

    Where are your sharp debridement courses?

    Reply
    • WoundEducators says

      October 11, 2019 at 11:59 am

      Pat,

      All our courses cover the topic of sharp debridement. See full course offerings here: https://www.woundeducators.com/wound-care-certification-courses/

      Reply

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