irrigation /ir′igā″shən/ , the process of washing out a body cavity or wounded area with a stream of water or other fluid. It is also used to cleanse a tube or drain inserted into the body, such as an indwelling catheter. The procedure is most commonly performed with water, saline, aminoacetic acid, or antiseptic solution on the eye, ear, throat, vagina, or urinary tract. Gentle pressure is applied in the introduction of the fluid, except in the debridement of wounds, and the solution is removed from internal cavities through suction or drainage. See also lavage. −irrigate, v.
