Updated February 01, 2015.

Definition: Debridement is the removal of dead, damaged, dying or infected tissue. The human body is capable of (autolytic) debridement for small wounds, but for large wounds, medical procedures are necessary.

Mechanical debridement uses a wet to dry dressing, a stream of water or another mechanical process to remove tissue.

Surgical debridement uses sharp instruments, such as a scalpel, to remove tissue.

Enzymatic debridement uses chemicals to soften and remove tissue.

Also Known As: surgical debridement, enzymatic debridement, autolytic debridement, mechanical debridement,

Common Misspellings: debreedment, debredment, debreadment, dabreedment, dabridement,

Examples: After suffering a major burn, the patient required both mechanical and surgical debridement of the wounds.