When the protective barrier of the skin is breached, a wound is formed. Whether the wound remains clean or becomes infected depends on a number of factors. Surgical wounds are usually clean unless certain systems are directly involved. These systems are the gastrointestinal, genitourinary and respiratory. When this happens, the wound is said to be contaminated. Introduction of foreign bodies and complication with intense foul smelling pus qualifies a wound to be dirty. This is when wound debridement comes in handy.
A dirty wound is one that is seen when a foreign substance has been introduced into the body. This happens, for example, when someone gets pricked say by a small piece of wood which gets stuck in tissues. It may also result when one gets shot and the bullet remains lodged in the body. In other situations, dirty wounds may be created in hospital if healthcare providers are not diligent enough when caring for clean wounds. Regardless of which foreign body is involved, the end result is infection if the object is not removed in time.
Debridement is necessary for dead tissue that is too extensive and has been complicated by production of foul smelling pus. Often this comes about when issues are not addressed with the urgency they deserve. Firstly, the victim of injury should be proactive in dressing the injured area with clean clothing to minimize exposure to microbes even as they seek definitive care in hospital. In the hospital, the area will be properly dressed and prophylactic antibiotics given.
In the event that bacteria gain access to tissues, the human body responds by recruiting white blood cells to the site of injury in order to destroy the bacteria and stop further spread. The main players in this field are the white blood cells. When this fails due to one reason or the other, the bacteria trapped at the site of injury causes decomposition of normal tissues and production of pus by the very same cells intended to fight the bacteria.
Debridement of wounds can be achieved using a number of techniques. The commonest form is that which involves the use of surgical methods. Here, the necrotic tissues can be literally removed manually with the help of certain surgical equipment. Depending on how much tissue needs to be extracted, local or general anaesthesia can be incorporated. Use of tissue breakdown (autolysis) by special chemicals is another way to achieve debridement.
Removal of decomposing tissues can also be achieved through the use of larva. In this case, maggots are deposited in the dead region. The aim is to allow the maggots to devour decayed tissue leaving only the normal tissues.
Once the decomposed tissues have been removed, the area is dressed and given time to heal. In the event that the area is too large to allow for natural re-growth of new tissues, grafting may be required. Grafting uses portions of human tissue from elsewhere to replace those lost around the decayed area. The graft will usually take up the blood supply of the destination area and integrate with the new found environment.
The important thing to remember is that all wounds need to be given maximum attention to prevent complications. Wounds may take longer to heal for patients with underlying diseases such as diabetes and cancer. Sterility needs to be given priority when managing any break in skin to expedite the healing process.
A dirty wound is one that is seen when a foreign substance has been introduced into the body. This happens, for example, when someone gets pricked say by a small piece of wood which gets stuck in tissues. It may also result when one gets shot and the bullet remains lodged in the body. In other situations, dirty wounds may be created in hospital if healthcare providers are not diligent enough when caring for clean wounds. Regardless of which foreign body is involved, the end result is infection if the object is not removed in time.
Debridement is necessary for dead tissue that is too extensive and has been complicated by production of foul smelling pus. Often this comes about when issues are not addressed with the urgency they deserve. Firstly, the victim of injury should be proactive in dressing the injured area with clean clothing to minimize exposure to microbes even as they seek definitive care in hospital. In the hospital, the area will be properly dressed and prophylactic antibiotics given.
In the event that bacteria gain access to tissues, the human body responds by recruiting white blood cells to the site of injury in order to destroy the bacteria and stop further spread. The main players in this field are the white blood cells. When this fails due to one reason or the other, the bacteria trapped at the site of injury causes decomposition of normal tissues and production of pus by the very same cells intended to fight the bacteria.
Debridement of wounds can be achieved using a number of techniques. The commonest form is that which involves the use of surgical methods. Here, the necrotic tissues can be literally removed manually with the help of certain surgical equipment. Depending on how much tissue needs to be extracted, local or general anaesthesia can be incorporated. Use of tissue breakdown (autolysis) by special chemicals is another way to achieve debridement.
Removal of decomposing tissues can also be achieved through the use of larva. In this case, maggots are deposited in the dead region. The aim is to allow the maggots to devour decayed tissue leaving only the normal tissues.
Once the decomposed tissues have been removed, the area is dressed and given time to heal. In the event that the area is too large to allow for natural re-growth of new tissues, grafting may be required. Grafting uses portions of human tissue from elsewhere to replace those lost around the decayed area. The graft will usually take up the blood supply of the destination area and integrate with the new found environment.
The important thing to remember is that all wounds need to be given maximum attention to prevent complications. Wounds may take longer to heal for patients with underlying diseases such as diabetes and cancer. Sterility needs to be given priority when managing any break in skin to expedite the healing process.
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