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Acta Vulnologica 2007 September;5(3):113-9

Copyright © 2007 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: Italian

Surgical debridement of deep pressure sores

Sguazzini C. ¹, Crespi A. ¹, Martinoli M. ¹, Ferrari A. ¹, Lombardi A. ², Apollonio E. ², Carpanese S. ², Ferrari A. ²

¹ Dipartimento di Chirurgia Generale ASL 13, Novara 2 Servizio Cure Domiciliari ASL 13 Novara

Adequate wound bed preparation is an essential part of chronic ulcer therapy. Prompt intervention, with removal of necrotic tissue, monitoring of exudate and management of bacterial load, can all hasten the healing process. Management of devitalized tissue, a receptacle for infection, is the first step in the treatment of chronic skin ulcers. There are four methods of ulcer detersion (autolytic, enzymatic, biological and surgical), the choice of which depends on the patient’s condition. Surgical debridement may be partial or total. Generally, surgical debridement is not difficult to perform; however, when lesions are extensive or deep structures are involved, the procedure should be carried out in a protected environment. A recently developed alternative to conventional surgery is debridement employing waterjet and radiofrequency bistoury. This article reports our experience with conventional surgery and the new techniques.