Hirudo medicinalis: ancient origins of, and trends in the use of medicinal leeches throughout history
Historical review published in Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg (2004)
Abstract
Blood letting and the therapeutic use of Hirudo medicinalis date back to ancient Egypt and the beginning of civilisation. Their popularity has varied over the years, reaching such a peak in Europe between 1825 and 1850 that supplies were exhausted. Towards the end of the century they fell out of favour and, during this period, the leech, once used by the physicians of emperors and influential academic surgeons, became associated with lay therapists and quackery. Leeches have enjoyed a renaissance in reconstructive microsurgery during the last 15 years, having been used by maxillofacial [Br. J. Oral Maxillofac. Surg 41 (2003) 44] and other reconstructive surgeons to aid salvage of compromised microvascular free tissue transfers [Laryngoscope 108 (1998) 1129; Br. J. Plast. Surg. 34 (1984) 358], replanted digits [Int. J. Microsurg. 3 (1981) 265], ears [Ann. Plast. Surg. 43 (1999) 427], lips [Plast. Reconstr. Surg. 102 (1998) 358; J. Reconstr. Microsurg. 9 (1993) 327] and nasal tips [Br. J. Oral Maxillofac. Surg. 36 (1998) 462]. Peer-reviewed evidence suggests that the survival of compromised, venous-congested tissues is improved by early application of a leech [J. Reconstr. Microsurg. 12 (1996) 165; Arch. Otolaryngol. Head Neck Surg. 114 (1988) 1395; Br. J. Plast. Surg. 45 (1992) 235]. Leeches have also recently been used to treat a wide range of conditions, including periorbital haematomas [Br. J. Ophthalmol. 75 (1991) 755], severe macroglossia [Otolaryngol. Head Neck Surg. 125 (2001) 649; J. Laryngol. Otol. 109 (1995) 442] and purpura fulminans [Ann. Plast. Surg. 35 (1995) 300]. The first medicinal leech farm, Biopharm, was set up in Swansea in 1981 by Dr Roy Sawyer, and now supplies leeches to hospitals all over the world. In this paper, we summarise the history of treatment with Hirudo medicinalis from its origin to the present day, and take a brief look at the possible future of the annelid.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Zusammenfassung
Historical review of medicinal leech use from ancient Egypt through 19th-century peak, decline, and modern resurgence in microsurgical applications. Documents Biopharm establishment in 1981.
Warum dies für die Hirudotherapie relevant ist
This historical article traces the use of Hirudo medicinalis from ancient Egypt through its European peak (1825–1850), decline, and modern renaissance in reconstructive microsurgery over the prior 15 years. The abstract cites peer-reviewed evidence that early leech application improves survival of compromised, venous-congested tissues and catalogues uses across replanted digits, ears, lips, nasal tips, periorbital haematomas, macroglossia, and purpura fulminans, noting the founding of Biopharm (Swansea, 1981) by Dr Roy Sawyer. This is directly and centrally relevant to ASH's domain, providing historical and clinical context for hirudotherapy. The article is a historical narrative summary rather than a primary study, so it does not generate new clinical data; it aggregates prior reports, and its scope is descriptive and retrospective by nature.
Zitation
Hirudo medicinalis: ancient origins of, and trends in the use of medicinal leeches throughout history.
Whitaker IS et al. · The British journal of oral & maxillofacial surgery, 2004
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