Clinical and scientific considerations in leech therapy for the management of acute venous congestion: an updated review
Narrative review published in Ann Plast Surg (2000)
Abstract
Any surgical intervention that involves the manipulation of veins, large or small, carries the risk of acute venous congestion. Venous congestion is the product of an imbalance between arterial inflow and venous outflow, and results in the stasis of blood in the tissues that are normally drained by the affected veins. The resultant lack of tissue perfusion causes hypoxia, acidosis, and arterial thrombi formation, which can potentially progress to tissue necrosis and wet gangrene. In the past several decades, the use of leeches (Hirudo medicinalis) has been rediscovered as an effective method of relieving acute venous congestion. This updated review of leech therapy focuses on the use of medicinal leeches in a variety of clinical conditions characterized by acute venous congestion, and points out the experimental use of leeches in other pathological entities. A discussion of the recent scientific findings that explain the possible mechanisms of action of leech therapy is also provided.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Summary
Reviews the rediscovery of Hirudo medicinalis as an effective treatment for acute venous congestion across diverse clinical scenarios, with discussion of mechanisms of action and experimental uses.
Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy
This updated review examines the clinical use of medicinal leeches (Hirudo medicinalis) for relieving acute venous congestion across a variety of clinical conditions, along with recent scientific findings on the possible mechanisms of leech therapy action. It is directly relevant to ASH's domain, as it consolidates current knowledge on hirudotherapy indications and experimental applications of leeches in other pathological entities. The abstract describes consequences of untreated venous congestion (hypoxia, acidosis, thrombi, necrosis) but does not detail specific risks of leech use or postoperative care protocols. As a review, it synthesizes existing literature rather than presenting new primary clinical data, and its scope is limited to published evidence available at the time of writing.
Citation
Clinical and scientific considerations in leech therapy for the management of acute venous congestion: an updated review.
Weinfeld AB et al. · Annals of plastic surgery, 2000
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