Which debridement method uses topical enzymes to selectively digest nonviable tissue?

Which debridement method uses topical enzymes to selectively digest nonviable tissue?

• A. Surgical/sharp debridement
• B. Autolytic debridement
• C. Mechanical debridement
• D. Enzymatic debridement (collagenase) for selective debridement

Answer: (D)

Enzymatic debridement uses topical enzymes to break down nonviable tissue, sparing healthy tissue in the process. Collagenase is a common enzyme used because it digests collagen present in necrotic tissue, allowing selective removal without aggressively harming viable tissue. This makes it especially helpful when you want to preserve healthy tissue or when surgical debridement isn’t suitable for the patient. In contrast, surgical/sharp debridement physically removes dead tissue with instruments; autolytic debridement relies on moisture and the body's own enzymes to digest dead tissue; mechanical debridement uses physical force to scrape or scrub away debris, which can risk injury to healthy tissue.

Enzymatic debridement uses topical enzymes to break down nonviable tissue, sparing healthy tissue in the process. Collagenase is a common enzyme used because it digests collagen present in necrotic tissue, allowing selective removal without aggressively harming viable tissue. This makes it especially helpful when you want to preserve healthy tissue or when surgical debridement isn’t suitable for the patient. In contrast, surgical/sharp debridement physically removes dead tissue with instruments; autolytic debridement relies on moisture and the body's own enzymes to digest dead tissue; mechanical debridement uses physical force to scrape or scrub away debris, which can risk injury to healthy tissue.