What is wound debridement?

When a doctor removes dead or unhealthy tissue from a wound, it's called debridement (say "dih-BREED-munt"). Doctors do this to help a wound heal.

It's a good idea to remove dead tissue for a few reasons. First, dead tissue gives bacteria a place to grow. This can cause infection. Second, dead tissue can slow the growth of healthy tissue.

To do this procedure, the doctor may use a saline solution to clean the wound. Then the doctor may use:

• A scalpel or scissors to cut dead tissue from the wound.
• A device that uses pressure to wash the wound.
• An ointment that goes on top of the wound and breaks down dead tissue.
• A special bandage over the wound to keep it moist. This can help your child's body get rid of the dead tissue on its own.

If your child's wound is large, your child may need a skin graft. This helps new tissue grow.

Activity

• Help your child rest when your child feels tired. Getting enough sleep will help your child recover.
• Help your child avoid activities that put stress on the wound, until your doctor says it's okay.
• Encourage your child to change positions often to keep pressure off the wound. Spread your child's body weight evenly with cushions, mattresses, foam wedges, or other pressure-relieving devices.
• If the wound is on your child's leg or foot, your child may have to use crutches, a supportive boot, or a fitted shoe to keep pressure off the wound. If your child needs crutches, it may help to use a backpack or wear clothes with lots of pockets to carry things.
• Do not let your child shower for at least 24 hours after the procedure or for as long as your doctor says to wait. When your child showers, help your child keep the dressing and wound dry.
• Do not let your child take a bath, swim, use a hot tub, or soak the area until your doctor says it's okay.

Diet

• Your child can eat a normal diet. If your child's stomach is upset, try bland, low-fat foods like plain rice, broiled chicken, toast, and yogurt.
• Help your child eat a well-balanced diet with enough protein to help the wound heal. Protein is a key nutrient in helping to repair damaged tissue and promote new tissue growth. Good sources of protein are milk, yogurt, cheese, meat, and beans.

Medicines

• Your doctor will tell you if and when your child can restart any medicines. The doctor will also give you instructions about your child taking any new medicines.
• Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
  • If the doctor gave your child a prescription medicine for pain, give it as prescribed.
  • If your child is not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if your child can take an over-the-counter medicine.
• If your doctor prescribed antibiotics for your child, give them as directed. Do not stop using them just because your child feels better. Your child needs to take the full course of antibiotics.
• If your doctor prescribed an antibiotic ointment to put on the wound, use it as directed.

Incision care

• A moist dressing may cover your child's wound. A dressing helps the wound heal and protects it. Your doctor will tell you how to take care of this.
• If your child had a skin graft, your child may have a bandage over the graft. The doctor will remove the bandage and stitches.

Procedures can be stressful for both your child and you. This information will help you understand what you can expect. And it will help you safely prepare for your child's procedure.

Preparing for the procedure

• Talk to your child about the procedure. Say that it will help your child heal better. Hospitals know how to take care of children. The staff will do all they can to make it easier for your child.
• Understand exactly what procedure is planned, along with the risks, benefits, and other options.
• Tell the doctor ALL the medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies your child takes. Some may increase the risk of problems during the procedure. Your doctor will tell you if your child should stop taking any of them before the procedure and how soon to do it.

The day before the procedure

• A nurse may call you (or you may need to call the hospital). This is to confirm the time and date of your child's procedure and answer any questions.
• Remember to follow your doctor's instructions about your child taking or stopping medicines before the procedure. This includes over-the-counter medicines.

Your doctor removed dead or unhealthy tissue (debridement) from your child's wound. How it was done depends on how severe the wound was.

Your child may have some pain and swelling around the wound. This should get better within a few days. Your child may have a bandage or a moist dressing over the wound. The doctor will let you know how long to keep it on and how often to change it.

How long it will take for your child's wound to heal depends on how serious the wound is and whether your child has any other health problems that may slow healing. Your child may need to have the wound debrided again.

To debride the wound, your doctor may first use a saline solution to clean the wound. Then your doctor may do one of these things. The doctor may use:

• A scalpel or scissors to cut dead tissue from the wound.
• A device that uses pressure to wash the wound.
• An ointment that goes on top of the wound and breaks down dead tissue.
• A special bandage over the wound to keep it moist. This can help your body get rid of the dead tissue on its own.

• Follow the instructions exactly about when your child should stop eating and drinking. If you don't, the procedure may be canceled. If your doctor told you to have your child take any medicines on the day of the procedure, have your child take them with only a sip of water.
• Follow the doctor's instructions about when your child should bathe or shower before the procedure. Do not apply lotion or deodorant.
• Your child may brush their teeth. But tell your child not to swallow any toothpaste or water.
• Do not let your child wear contact lenses. Bring your child's glasses or contact lens case.
• Be sure your child has something that's a reminder of home. A special stuffed animal, toy, or blanket may be comforting. For an older child, it might be a book or music.

At the hospital or surgery center

• A parent or legal guardian must accompany your child.
• Your child will be kept comfortable and safe by the anesthesia provider. The anesthesia may make your child sleep. Or it may just numb the area being worked on.
• The procedure will likely take about 30 minutes. But it can take longer. It depends on how the doctor does the debridement. It also depends on where the wound is, how big it is, and how serious it is.