Conservative Sharp Debridement of Wounds

Introduction

Dead tissue in the form of slough and necrosis can, if present in a wound, delay healing and promote infection. Debridement describes any method by which such materials are removed and as a consequence the potential to achieve wound healing enhanced. Debridement can be achieved either through the use of wound care products or by conservative sharp debridement. This procedure will focus on the removal of devitalised tissue by Conservative Sharp Debridement (CSD)

This procedure will only be undertaken by Specialist Nurse(s) in Tissue Viability who have successfully completed a validated educational programme in wound debridement at a minimum of degree level including assessment of competency in practice. Conservative sharp debridement is an extended role for the specialist nurse.

Policy Details

See also:

• The Royal Marsden Hospital Manual of Clinical Nursing Procedures
• Trust Policy for Infection Control
• Trust Policy for Aseptic Technique
• Trust Wound Management Formulary
• Trust Consent Policy
• Trust Policy for Photographing Patients
• Trust Policy for Minimal Handling