Final answer:
Debridement is the medical term for the removal of nonviable, necrotic tissue. It is crucial for wound healing and infection management, often complemented by antibiotics and other treatments like hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The removal of nonviable, necrotic tissue is known as debridement. This medical procedure is essential for the healing of wounds as it involves the removal of dead, damaged, or infected tissue to improve the healing potential of the remaining healthy tissue. Debridement can be a critical step in the treatment of various conditions, such as gas gangrene, where the affected tissue becomes necrotic due to infection by bacteria such as Clostridium spp. To diagnose and treat gas gangrene, clinical signs and symptoms are considered alongside laboratory techniques like Gram stain and the cultivation of tissue samples. Surgical debridement may be combined with antibiotics like penicillin G and clindamycin, and in some cases, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, to effectively manage the infection. Removing infected tissue through debridement helps stem the infection by eliminating a source of bacteria and decay, which can otherwise spread and hinder recovery.