Autolytic debridement: A method of debridement that uses the body’s own enzymes and the moisture trapped beneath the dressing to liquefy non-viable tissue. It is a slow, selective process by which endogenous phagocytic cells and proteolytic enzymes break down necrotic tissue. This process occurs in varying degrees in the presence of a moist wound healing environment and depends on the patient having a functioning immune system.

Biofilm: A complex microbial community containing bacteria and fungi. The microorganisms synthesize and secrete a protective matrix that attaches the biofilm firmly to a living or non-living surface. The biofilm contributes to underlying wound infection, chronic inflammation, and delay in healing, and it is much more prevalent in chronic wounds than in acute wounds.

Conservative sharp debridement: Sharp debridement performed outside the operating room, and not requiring general anesthesia. It involves removal of clearly identifiable, devitalized tissue to above the level of viable tissue by using sharp instruments, including, but not limited to, scalpels, scissors, or curettes.

Debridement: The procedural act of removing non-viable tissue, biofilm, and debris from a wound.

Eschar: Dead tissue, found only in full-thickness wounds. It may be tan, brown, or black, and is usually dry and hard.

Hydrosurgical debridement: A form of debridement, also known as hydrosurgery, using a high-pressure fluid jet that runs parallel to the wound’s surface to draw nonviable tissue into a cutting chamber for excision and removal.

Integral debridement: A comprehensive, evidence-based strategy that combines multiple debridement modalities—often simultaneously or in a staged sequence—based on the wound’s unique characteristics, the patient’s comorbidities and treatment tolerance, and the clinical setting.

Mechanical debridement: Removing nonviable tissue through physical means.

Necrotic tissue: Tissue that is no longer viable. May manifest as slough or eschar.

Selective debridement: Any type of debridement that removes only nonviable tissue or foreign matter from the wound.

Serial debridement: Repeat debridement, for instance when preventing biofilm reformation.

Sharp debridement: Removal of nonviable tissue using a sharp instrument, such as a scalpel or a curette. In general this can take place at the bedside/chairside, or in an operating theater, depending on the invasiveness or depth of tissue removed.

Slough: A stringy or fibrinous mass that may or may not be firmly attached to surrounding tissue. It is composed of serum and matrix proteins. It ranges in color from white to yellow or green (because of varying levels of bacterial colonization) to brown (hemoglobin is present). It may become thicker and harder to remove the longer it is present.

Surgical debridement: Sharp debridement that takes place in an operating room environment, and may require regional, spinal, or general anesthesia.