American Society of Hirudotherapy

A case report: hirudotherapy as a treatment modality in the microsurgery

Case report published in Türkiye Parazitolojii Dergisi (2013)

Last Updated: June 18, 2026Reviewed by: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Case reportClinical TrialsArusan S, Bayar B, Gödekmerdan A, Sağlam N · Turkiye parazitolojii dergisi, 2013

Abstract

Medicinal leeches are known to inject more than 100 bioactive substances in the tissue whilst sucking blood. They are being successfully used for the treatment of diseases and symptoms, especially in plastic surgery. We report the case of a 7-year old boy, who had lost the first phalanx of the middle finger of the right hand after an accident. The detached digit was replanted in the plastic surgery clinic, and treated within a period of 15 days with medicinal leeches (Hirudo medicinalis). Soon after the initiation of the hirudotherapy, the revascularisation of the re-attached phalanx, as well as the resolving of tissue oedema and pain was observed. Turkish physicians should be aware of the advantages of hirudotherapy in plastic and reconstructive surgery, especially in cases of detached digits and flaps.

Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.

Publication typeCase ReportsJournal Article
Indexed MeSH termsAnimalsChildFingersHirudo medicinalisHumansLeechingMaleMicrosurgeryPlastic Surgery ProceduresReplantationSurgery, PlasticTurkey

Summary

Pediatric case of 7-year-old boy with first phalanx amputation replanted and successfully treated with 15 days of medicinal leech therapy, with rapid revascularization, edema, and pain resolution.

Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy

This case report describes a 7-year-old boy whose detached middle finger phalanx was replanted and subsequently treated with medicinal leeches (Hirudo medicinalis) over a 15-day period, resulting in observed revascularization, resolution of tissue edema, and pain reduction. For ASH's domain, this is directly relevant as a clinical example of hirudotherapy used in plastic and reconstructive microsurgery to support replant survival. The authors advocate greater awareness among physicians of hirudotherapy's advantages in such settings. The critical caveat is that this is a single case report with no control group or comparative data, so no generalizable conclusions about efficacy can be drawn, and causality between leech therapy and the observed outcomes cannot be established from this report alone.

Citation

A case report: hirudotherapy as a treatment modality in the microsurgery.

Arusan S, Bayar B, Gödekmerdan A, Sağlam N · Turkiye parazitolojii dergisi, 2013

DOI

Added to ASH library: May 26, 2026 · Site last updated: June 18, 2026

This website provides educational information and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations. Medicinal leech therapy carries clinically meaningful risks and should be performed only by qualified clinicians under institutionally approved protocols. FDA 510(k) clearance for medicinal leeches is limited to specific indications; investigational and off-label discussions are labeled accordingly. For patient-specific guidance, consult a qualified healthcare provider.