operative washout
Surgical irrigation and debridement procedure to remove infected or necrotic tissue and reduce bacterial load.
Full Definition
Operative washout refers to a surgical procedure involving copious irrigation and mechanical debridement to remove infected material, necrotic tissue, and bacterial contamination from a surgical site or body cavity. This procedure is commonly performed in emergency settings for surgical site infections, necrotizing soft tissue infections, or intraabdominal sepsis. The washout typically involves multiple liters of sterile saline or antibiotic solution, removal of foreign material and devitalized tissue, and sometimes placement of drains. Multiple washouts may be required depending on the extent of infection and tissue response.
Usage
Usage note: Specify the anatomical location and irrigation solution used.
In Context
- "The patient required operative washout for necrotizing fascilitis of the abdominal wall." — Emergency surgery operative note
- "Operative washout with antibiotic irrigation was performed for infected mesh." — Surgical site infection treatment report