Mechanical irrigation

Mechanical irrigation is a medical procedure in which a steady flow of fluid (usually saline or water, sometimes with added medications or antiseptics) is applied to a body cavity, wound, or tissue to facilitate mechanical removal of debris, pathogens, secretions, or blood clots. This procedure is used across multiple clinical scenarios, including wound cleaning (wound irrigation), nasal irrigation for upper respiratory care, bladder irrigation to remove clots post-surgery, ear irrigation to dislodge earwax, or bowel irrigation in specific gastrointestinal settings. The procedure is fundamentally physical and not based on molecular interaction with biological targets. Proper technique and the use of sterile solutions are essential to minimize safety risks such as contamination or tissue damage.

Other names

therapeutic irrigationlavagewound irrigationnasal irrigationbladder irrigationbowel irrigationear irrigation