The use of medicinal leeches in microsurgery
Historical review published in Blood Coagulation & Fibrinolysis (1991)
Abstract
Medicinal leeches have been used to treat a variety of ailments for thousands of years. During the past decade the leech has become valuable for salvaging surgically uncorrectable venous insufficiency which is occasionally encountered after microsurgical free flap and replantation procedures. Leech anatomy and physiology are reviewed. Indications and the technique for application of medicinal leeches is discussed, as well as potential complications of leeching.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Summary
Review covering leech anatomy, physiology, indications, technique, and potential complications for salvaging surgically uncorrectable venous insufficiency after microsurgical free flap and replantation.
Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy
This review recounts the long history of medicinal leech use for treating various ailments over thousands of years and focuses on their contemporary value for salvaging surgically uncorrectable venous insufficiency occasionally encountered after microsurgical free flap and replantation procedures. Leech anatomy and physiology are reviewed, along with indications, the technique for application of medicinal leeches, and potential complications of leeching. This is directly relevant to ASH as an overview of live-leech hirudotherapy in a defined clinical context. Caveat: this is a historical review without original study data, controls, or quantitative outcomes; the clinical claims reflect practice description rather than evidence from trials.
Citation
Added to ASH library: May 26, 2026 · Site last updated: June 18, 2026