debridement

Definition

The medical removal of dead, damaged, or infected tissue to promote healing of remaining healthy tissue. Essentially spring cleaning for wounds, but with scalpels.

Example Usage

The burn unit performed surgical debridement to remove necrotic tissue before applying skin grafts.

Origin

From French 'débrider' meaning 'to unbridle' or remove constraints

Fun Fact

Maggot therapy is still occasionally used for debridement because the larvae selectively eat only dead tissue, leaving healthy tissue intact.

Source: Wound care and surgical terminology

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