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Infection, Debridement, and Biofilm

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Innovations and Advances in Wound Healing

Abstract

Wound infections delay and may even prevent wound healing. Management of wound infection cannot be overstated for successful wound healing. To properly manage wound infections, there must first be accurate diagnosis as to what constitutes an infected wound. Various diagnostic methods for wound infection are presented in this chapter. After identifying the offending organism, the physician must determine the most appropriate intervention to reduce the wound’s bioburden. Available options include antimicrobial therapy, debridement, and adjunctive therapies. Debridement plays a vital role in the management of wound infections. Debridement of necrotic tissue and exudate helps to reduce wound bioburden and may also increase the effectiveness of topical antimicrobials and antibiotics. There are six primary types of debridements: autolytic, enzymatic, biological, mechanical, sharp, and surgical debridements. Surgical debridement is required for severe infection including osteomyelitis or sepsis and is usually followed by a course of antibiotics. Details of each debridement are described in this chapter. Biofilm is a relatively new concept in the fields of wound infection and healing. Although scientific research regarding wound biofilm is increasing, little is known about the effective management strategies. The author’s method to treat the wound biofilm is presented.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Professor of Plastic Surgery, Director of Diabetic Wound Center, Director of Cell Therapy Laboratory, Korea University College of Medicine and Korea University Guro Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea (South Korea)

    Seung-Kyu Han

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  1. Seung-Kyu Han
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Han, SK. (2016). Infection, Debridement, and Biofilm. In: Innovations and Advances in Wound Healing. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-46587-5_7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-46587-5_7

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-662-46586-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-662-46587-5

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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