Wound bed preparation from a clinical perspective.

Wound bed preparation has been performed for over two decades, and the concept is well accepted.The 'TIME' acronym, consisting of tissue debridement, infection or infl ammation, moisture balance andedge effect, has assisted clinicians systematically in wound assessment and management. While thefocus has usually been concentrated around the wound, the evolving concept of wound bed preparationpromotes the treatment of the patient as a whole. This article discusses wound bed preparation andits clinical management components along with the principles of advanced wound care managementat the present time. Management of tissue necrosis can be tailored according to the wound and localexpertise. It ranges from simple to modern techniques like wet to dry dressing, enzymatic, biological andsurgical debridement. Restoration of the bacterial balance is also an important element in managingchronic wounds that are critically colonized. Achieving a balance moist wound will hasten healing andcorrect biochemical imbalance by removing the excessive enzymes and growth factors. This can beachieved will multitude of dressing materials. The negative pressure wound therapy being one of thegreat breakthroughs. The progress and understanding on scientifi c basis of the wound bed preparationover the last two decades are discussed further in this article in the clinical perspectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]