irrigation

(ir″ĭ-gā′shŏn)

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[L. irrigatio, watering]
The cleansing of a canal or cavity or the washing of a wound by flushing with water or other fluids. The solutions used for cleansing should be sterile and, for comfort, have an approximate temperature slightly warmer than body temperature (100° to 115°F [37.8° to 46.1°C]). When irrigation is performed for bleeding, cold or iced irrigant may be used.
SEE: lavage

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