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Debridement

By , About.com Guide

Updated April 16, 2012

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Definition: Debridement is the word used to describe a surgical procedure. In a debridement, the surgeon removes tissue from the body to promote healing. Tissue removed may be:
  • Dead
  • Infected
  • Contaminated
By removing this tissue, the body is left with healthy tissue to try to speed healing.

A debridement is often performed along with a "wash out" procedure, often referred to as an irrigation. Therefore, many surgeons refer to this combination as an irrigation and debridement, or I&D.

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