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Thursday, June 14, 2018

By Michael White


In the event that the underlying tissues are exposed to the external environment, a wound is created. This can happen when a surgeon intentionally makes an incision in the skin for the purpose of accessing internal structures. Such wounds are generally referred as surgical wounds. When the respiratory, genitourinary or gastrointestinal tracts are entered, the wound is said to be contaminated and need to undergo wound debridement, even though there may be no signs of infection. Clean, contaminated surgical wounds have signs of infection.

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.

Exposure of body cells to the external atmosphere puts them at risk of invasion by harmful microorganisms. Fortunately, the human body has its own immune system that helps in fighting off infection. This is composed of white blood cells which are recruited to the site of infection immediately the bacteria start multiplying. If the infection is too extensive, the immune system may become overwhelmed and the end result is formation of pus cells and accumulation of dead smelly tissues.

Debridement can be done manually or by use of a chemical. During the manual procedure, the surgeon scraps off dead tissues using special surgical instruments. The patient is put under general or local anaesthesia depending on how much tissue has decayed. In the chemical form of debridement, special chemicals are used to break down the unwanted tissues and lift them off.

Occasionally, maggots can be utilized to manage certain wounds. They work by consuming the bacteria deposited in a given area and prevent its spread to the rest of the body. The only downside to this is that it may not be pleasant site to behold.

The area is usually dressed after every debridement session to prevent further exposure to microbes and to provide some time for it to heal. Grafting should be considered for wounds that are extremely extensive. This may mean that a plastic and reconstructive surgeon be incorporated into the management team.

In conclusion, wounds can be caused at home or in the hospital when sterility is not observed. People who have a reduced level of immunity(such as those with diabetes) are more likely to suffer from chronic wounds compared to the general population. It is important that debridement is done to allow new, normal skin to form.




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