Enzymatic wound debridement is a treatment that is used to remove dead tissue from a wound. This treatment uses an ointment or spray that contains proteins (enzymes) that are applied directly to the wound. This helps your body to repair the wound by removing dead tissue over time and allowing new healthy tissue to grow. This helps the wound heal.

Tell a healthcare provider about:

• Any allergies you have.

• All medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbal medicines, eye drops, creams and over-the-counter medicines.

• Any blood disorders you have.

• Any surgeries you have had.

• Any medical conditions you have.

• Whether you are pregnant or may be pregnant.

What are the risks?

What happens before the procedure?

• You may be given antibiotics to help prevent infection.

What happens during the procedure?

• To lower your risk of infection, your healthcare team will wash or sanitise their hands and wear gloves.

• Your wound will be cleaned (irrigated) with a solution. This is usually done with a germ-free saline solution, which is made of salt and water. The solution will flush the wound to remove bacteria, dead tissue, or dirt and debris.

• The enzyme ointment or spray will be applied to the wound.

• The wound will be covered with a bandage (dressing).

The procedure may vary among healthcare providers and hospitals.

What happens after the procedure?

• You may be given medicine for pain.

• You will need to reapply the enzyme ointment to the wound. Your healthcare provider will show you how to reapply the ointment and the dressing.

• You may be given antibiotic medicine. If the medicine was started before your procedure, you may continue to receive it.

• Enzymatic ointment or spray may require a prescription from your healthcare provider.

Summary

• Enzymatic wound debridement is a treatment to remove dead tissue from a wound.

• This treatment uses an ointment or spray that contains proteins (enzymes) that dissolve the dead tissue over time.

• Depending on the wound, this treatment may be used along with another method of removing dead tissue (debridement).

• You will need to reapply the enzyme ointment to the wound. Your healthcare provider will give you a prescription for the ointment and will show you how to reapply the ointment and the dressing.

• You may be given antibiotics to help prevent infection.

This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.