Active debridement of venous leg ulcers: a literature review to inform clinical practice. (1st June 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hall, Lucy; Adderley, Una
• Is Part Of: British journal of community nursing. Volume 24(2019)Supplement 6
• Page Start: S24
• Page End: S29
• Publication Date: 2019-06-01
• Subjects: Venous leg ulcer -- Venous stasis ulcer -- Varicose ulcer -- Debridement -- Healing; Community health nursing -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; 362.14094105
• DOI: 10.12968/bjcn.2019.24.Sup6.S24
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1462-4753

Abstract

Abstract : Community nurses often care for patients with sloughy venous leg ulcers. Slough is viewed as a potential infection source and an impediment to healing, but it is unclear if active debridement of slough promotes healing. Using a clinical scenario as a contextual basis, this literature review sought research evidence to answer this clinical question. A strategy based on the '4S' approach was used to identify research evidence. The retrieved evidence included one systematic review, three clinical guidelines and six qualitative and quantitative studies. The analysis suggested that there is no robust evidence to support the routine practice of active debridement of venous leg ulcers to promote healing, and that debridement is associated with increased pain. Since autolytic debridement can be achieved through the application of graduated compression therapy, active debridement may offer no additional benefit.