Day theatre procedure
About this service
Surgical wound debridement removes dead or infected tissue from a wound under anaesthesia, and it is carried out in Windhoek at Eastgate Clinic's on-site day theatre. Some wounds, whether from injury, infection or poor healing, develop tissue that is no longer viable and actually slows down recovery if left in place. Removing this tissue surgically clears the way for healthy healing to begin, and can be an important step in managing wounds that have not improved with dressings alone.
Because thorough cleaning of the wound is needed, this is done under anaesthesia to keep you comfortable throughout. Afterwards, the wound is usually dressed and monitored, with your surgeon advising on ongoing care to support healing.
What to expect
- Your surgeon assesses the wound to confirm debridement is needed.
- Anaesthesia lets the surgeon cut away dead, sloughy or infected tissue down to healthy bleeding edges without you feeling it.
- The cleaned wound is dressed, and a sample may be sent for culture if infection is suspected.
- You will need ongoing dressing changes and follow-up to monitor healing afterwards.
Who is it for?
You may be advised to have this if you are dealing with:
- A wound that is not healing despite regular dressing changes
- Signs of infection or dead tissue around a wound
- A deep or complicated wound needing thorough cleaning
- A doctor has recommended surgical debridement over dressing alone
Frequently asked questions
Why does my wound need surgical debridement instead of dressings?
Dead or infected tissue stops a wound from closing and gives bacteria a place to grow. When dressings alone have not cleared it, removing that tissue surgically gives healthy tissue a clean base to heal from. Your doctor will only recommend it after examining the wound.
What happens to the wound after debridement?
The wound is usually left to heal from the base up, so it may look larger at first. Regular dressing changes in our rooms, keeping pressure off the area and controlling any diabetes or poor circulation all help. Your surgeon may plan a graft later if the wound is large.
Is wound debridement covered by medical aid?
Most medical aids cover debridement when a doctor has documented that the wound needs it, but plans differ, so check your benefits or ask our reception before booking. Private patients are welcome too, and fees follow the practice rates.
For referring doctors
Referring doctors can arrange surgical debridement for complex or non-healing wounds through Eastgate Clinic's on-site day theatre in Windhoek, with anaesthetist support available. Contact us to arrange theatre time.
Day theatre information for doctorsReady to book your surgical wound debridement?
Choose a date and time online and we will confirm your appointment at Eastgate Clinic in Windhoek. Medical aid and private patients welcome.