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Saturday, July 6, 2013

WOUND DEBRIDEMENT

WOUND DEBRIDEMENT WITH SANTYL OINTMENT

   Prior to application, gently cleanse the wound bed with a sterile gauze pad saturated with sterile normal saline to remove debris and digested material.  Rinse with sterile normal saline.  A small amount of Santyl Ointment is then applied directly to the wound or to a gauze pad placed over the wound bed.  Do not apply the Santyl to the area around the wound.  Properly secure the gauze so it does not move and affect the area around the wound.  Ideally, Santyl Ointment should be applied once daily (may be applied more frequently if dressing becomes soiled.)  Dressing should be kept dry and free from contaminants.
   The goal is to remove the necrotic (dead) tissue and to provide an environment for granulation of healthy tissue.  Discontinue Santyl Ointment when medically indicated and granulation tissue is well established.
   Because the enzymes in Santyl are activated by the hydrophilic environment (moisture) of the wound, it is important to use dressings that maintain moisture balance.  Avoid silver and iodine dressings as they inactivate the debriding enzyme in Santyl Ointment.
   Debriding of a wound should be performed at the direction of your physician.  The physician should assess the wound and discontinue debridement when indicated.

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