Clinical efficacy of Jalaukawacharana (leech application) in Thrombosed piles
Research article published in Ayu (2012)
Abstract
'Arsha' (hemorrhoids) is an ailment that affects all economical groups of population. Though the disease is within the limits of management, it has its own complications like severe hemorrhage, inflammation, and thrombosis, by which a patient gets severe pain and is unable to continue his routine work. Prior to surgical treatment of hemorrhoids, associated conditions like inflammation, strangulation, thrombosis, etc. need to be managed. Thrombosed piles possibly occur due to high venous pressure associated with severe anal pain. Leech (Hirudina medicanalis) application is found to be effective in reducing pain. In thrombosed piles, leech application has shown thrombolytic action, which contributes in re-establishment of circulation. It is observed in the study that, pus and mucous discharge have been reduced after leech application; which may be due to antimicrobial and mucolytic properties of leech. This method of treatment is found to be effective and increase the quality of life in patients suffering with thrombosed piles.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Summary
Clinical study of Jalaukawacharana (leech application) in thrombosed piles, reporting reduced pain, thrombolytic action with re-established circulation, and less pus and mucous discharge, improving patients' quality of life.
Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy
This article reports on leech (Hirudina medicanalis) application for thrombosed piles, describing observed reductions in pain, pus, and mucous discharge, and attributing thrombolytic, antimicrobial, and mucolytic effects to the intervention. The abstract asserts effectiveness and improved quality of life but provides no quantitative outcome data, sample sizes, or methodological details, limiting the ability to evaluate the strength or generalizability of these findings.
Citation
Reference (Vancouver style)
Bhagat PJ, Raut SY, Lakhapati AM. Clinical efficacy of Jalaukawacharana (leech application) in Thrombosed piles. Ayu. 2012;33(2):261-263. doi:10.4103/0974-8520.105248. PMID: 23559800
Bibliographic details (authors, volume, pages, DOI) are taken from the PubMed record.
Added to ASH library: March 18, 2026 · Site last updated: November 1, 2026