Surgical Ulcer Debridement – What to Expect

Ulcer debridement involves the removal of dead or unhealthy tissue from around a wound in order to help it heal faster. There are several ways this procedure can be performed: mechanical, chemical, autolytic (basically, using your body’s own natural healing processes to remove problem tissue), and surgical. Here is some information on what you can expect if your doctor recommends surgical debridement.

Why It’s Done

Surgical ulcer debridement, again, is sometimes needed in order for your doctor to be able to remove contaminated material or dead skin from the area surrounding the wound. There could be tissue that has been contaminated by crusting, bacteria, dead cells or something else, for example. Another reason is to help decrease the amount of scarring that occurs by creating a neater edge around the wound. It is also sometimes used in order for a doctor to obtain a tissue sample should any sort of testing be needed.

Preparing for the Procedure

If your doctor recommends surgical ulcer debridement, the first thing he or she will probably do will be to schedule a thorough physical examination, which will likely include taking a measurement of the wound. You may be given pain medication, and you will also need to arrange a ride to and from the area where the procedure will be performed. Some people require general anesthesia, so they cannot drink or eat anything after midnight the day of the surgery.

How it Works

The surgical method of ulcer debridement typically involves the use of several instruments, including scissors, forceps, scalpels and others. This is usually the case if a wound is very large or painful, or if there is deep damage to tissue. The skin is first disinfected and cleaned, and then probed to determine the depth of the wound and locate the material that needs to be removed. Once the dead/unhealthy tissue is taken out, the doctor will wash the wound.

Afterward, you may be allowed to return home the same day depending on the extent of the procedure. You can expect to be sore for a certain period of time, but you will be prescribed medication to ease discomfort. It will be very important you follow your doctor’s directions exactly during the time it takes the wound to heal, which could be a few weeks.

If you have any questions on surgical ulcer debridement, contact DFW Wound Care Center. Call 972-665-6292 (Plano) or 972-318-2383 (Lewisville), or contact us online.