Microsurgical replantation of a partial ear, with leech therapy
Case report published in Annals of Plastic Surgery (1999)
Abstract
Ear reconstruction is very difficult to perform and often results in a devastating deformity. The use of microsurgical replantation techniques has allowed very favorable aesthetic results. The authors report a case of partial ear replantation without venous repair with the use of medicinal leeches to decompress the acute venous congestion that occurred during postoperative care. Medicinal leech therapy can be very useful in partial ear replantation in cases with no venous repair.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Summary
Successful partial ear replantation without venous repair using medicinal leeches to decompress acute venous congestion in postoperative care.
Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy
This case report describes partial ear replantation performed without venous repair, with medicinal leeches used during postoperative care to decompress acute venous congestion. The authors conclude that medicinal leech therapy can be useful in partial ear replantation cases where venous repair is not performed. The abstract credits microsurgical replantation techniques generally with favorable aesthetic results and does not attribute those outcomes specifically to leech therapy. The main limitation is that this is a single case report without a control group, so it documents a successful application of leech therapy but does not establish broader efficacy.
Citation
Microsurgical replantation of a partial ear, with leech therapy.
Cho BH, Ahn HB · Annals of plastic surgery, 1999
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