Débridement of gunshot wounds: semantics and surgery

Abstract

Débridement is a well established modality for management of gunshot wounds. The word "débridement" is originally French. It was used for the first time during the eighteenth century in the surgical context and meant "wound incision." For French surgeons, it has retained to this day its original meaning. In medical English, though, the use of the term has been marred by persisting confusion about its definition. Two quite different surgical procedures still compete for the definition of débridement: wound incision and wound excision. These procedures are also at the center of a modern controversy about the management of gunshot wounds. The orthodox doctrine, inherited from military surgeons, consists of aggressive tissue excision around the bullet track. This radical policy is being challenged by advocates of a more conservative approach. Minimal tissue excision is sufficient and safe in many cases provided careful monitoring of the wound is instituted. Wound incision alone to relieve tension and allow drainage is possible in certain cases. The tug-of-war between excision and incision is outlined herein with reference to the semantic tribulations of the word "débridement" and the implications for patient care.