Wound Irrigation

Wound irrigation is controlled mechanical cleansing. Fluid loosens and carries away surface debris, drainage, and contaminants so the wound can be assessed and dressed appropriately. The goal is not to make the wound sterile; it is to reduce material that can interfere with healing without damaging the tissue trying to repair itself. Pressure determines whether irrigation helps or harms. Too little force leaves debris behind. Excessive force can traumatize fragile granulation tissue or drive fluid into areas where it cannot drain. Maintain irrigation pressure between 8 and 15 psi—approximately 55 to 105 kPa. This range provides enough mechanical cleansing while limiting tissue injury. Irrigation also has limits. It cannot remove firmly adherent necrotic tissue, correct poor blood flow, or make an unassessed deep wound safe. When the wound contains an unknown foreign body, has unexplained depth, or reveals structures such as tendon or bone, stop treating it as a routine cleansing task and obtain further assessment.