It is nearly impossible to obtain an adequate inspection of a wound without it first being anesthetized. Care should be taken to visualize the bottom of the wound and, if applicable, to examine the wound through a range of motion. Debridement is an effective means of preventing infection. Removing devitalized tissue, particulate matter, and clots prevent these from being a source of infection, much like any foreign body. Clean surgical wound edges result in smaller scars and promote faster healing.
Irrigation is another important means of infection prevention.
In general, 100-200 mL of irrigation solution per inch of wound are required. Heavily contaminated wounds require more irrigation. Large dirty wounds may require irrigation in the operating room. Normal saline is a safe, available, effective, and inexpensive irrigating solution. Few of the numerous other solutions and mixtures of saline and antibiotics have any advantages over saline.