Debridement is an important part of the healing process for burns and other serious wounds; it is also used for treating some kinds of snake and spider bites.

In such circumstances, a surgeon may opt to debride a portion of the surrounding healthy tissue to ensure that the tumor is completely removed.

They are very selective, meaning that the person performing the debridement has nearly complete control over which tissue is removed and which is left behind.

Surgical debridement can be performed in the operating room or bedside, depending on the extent of the necrotic material and a patient's ability to tolerate the procedure.

[5] Autolysis uses the body's own enzymes and moisture to re-hydrate, soften and finally liquefy hard eschar and slough.

Autolytic debridement can be achieved with the use of occlusive or semi-occlusive dressings which maintain wound fluid in contact with the necrotic tissue.

The review authors only found one randomised controlled trial (RCT) with very low certainty evidence that investigated this.

The maggots derive nutrients through a process known as "extracorporeal digestion" by secreting a broad spectrum of proteolytic enzymes that liquefy necrotic tissue, and absorb the semi-liquid result within a few days.