Debridement involves removing necrotic tissue or contaminated foreign debris from a wound. As necrotic tissue develops, it becomes a barrier to wound healing and a medium for bacterial growth. Removing this tissue decreases the risk of infection, accelerates wound healing, and prevents further complications associated with tissue destruction. Surgical debridement is recommended for large or deep wounds. However, when surgical debridement isn’t appropriate for the patient’s condition, sharp, chemical (or enzymatic), mechanical, autolytic, or biosurgical debridement may be used.¹

Sharp debridement involves using a scalpel, scissors, or other sharp instrument to excise a wound’s necrotic material up to the viable tissue.¹ It’s the most rapid form of debridement, and it may be combined with other forms of debridement as needed. Specially trained nurses may perform sharp debridement.²

Sharp debridement must be used cautiously in patients with compromised immune systems, compromised vascular supply to the limb, or sepsis.² Relative contraindications for sharp debridement include anticoagulant therapy and bleeding disorders.²