What type of debridement is used for necrotic tissue?

Often performed in conjunction with autolytic debridement, this form of debridement promotes wound healing by expeditiously removing necrotic tissue and biofilm. Sharp debridement is performed by a skilled clinician using a curette, scalpel, scissors, or forceps to remove devitalized tissue to a viable tissue level.

What is meant by Autolytic debridement?

Autolytic debridement is the lysis, or breakdown, of damaged tissue at a wound site by the body’s natural defence system by enzymes that digest specific components of body tissues or cells, e.g. proteins, fibrin and collagen (Ramundo 2007).

What is Nonexcisional debridement?

Code 86.28, Nonexcisional debridement, was defined as the “nonoperative brushing, irrigating, scrubbing, or washing away of devitalized tissue, necrosis, or slough,” including snipping of tissue followed by Hubbard tank therapy.

When would Autolytic debridement be indicated?

The softening and separation of necrotic tissue commonly occurs within a few days, but if significant autolysis is not observed within 1 to 2 weeks, another method of debridement should be considered.

Why is nonexcisional debridement a non-surgical procedure?

Nonexcisional debridement is described as non-surgical because it does not involve cutting away or excising devitalized tissue. It is described as removal of devitalized tissue, necrosis, and slough by other methods, such as:

How is the debridement of a wound determined?

To determine the proper code choice, first consider the depth of the debridement. This is determined by the deepest depth of removed tissue. Keep in mind the wound may extend to the bone, but if only subcutaneous tissue is removed, the depth of debridement is to the subcutaneous tissue only.

What do you mean by debridement in plastic surgery?

Debridement is commonly defined as the process of removing necrotic, devitalized tissue and foreign matter from a wound. From: Lower Extremity Soft Tissue & Cutaneous Plastic Surgery (Second Edition), 2012

What do you need to know about sharp debridement?

Documentation needs to describe the sharp debridement as a definite cutting away of devitalized tissue that includes cutting outside or beyond the wound margin. Many hospitals and physicians have created templates (like the one shown to the right) to ensure that all of the elements are properly documented.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlbanGBgecc