Leech therapy for venous congestion following myocutaneous pectoralis flap reconstruction
Nursing review published in ORL Head Neck Nurs (1995)
Abstract
Medicinal leech therapy is recorded as early as 200 B.C. to treat everything from mental illness to headaches. The medicinal leech (Hirudo medicinalis) is used today as a successful treatment for venous congestion following replantation or transplantation of tissue. This paper discusses specific leeching properties, indications for use, nursing care and expected outcomes of leech therapy.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Summary
Nursing-focused review of medicinal leech indications and care for venous congestion following pectoralis myocutaneous flap reconstruction.
Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy
This paper discusses the medicinal leech (Hirudo medicinalis) as a treatment for venous congestion following replantation or transplantation of tissue, covering specific leeching properties, indications for use, nursing care, and expected outcomes. The article is relevant to ASH's domain as it addresses practical aspects of hirudotherapy in a surgical reconstructive setting. However, the abstract is descriptive and does not report specific patient data, sample sizes, quantitative outcomes, or any particular surgical procedure, limiting its evidentiary value for clinical decision-making.
Citation
Leech therapy for venous congestion following myocutaneous pectoralis flap reconstruction.
Adams JF, Lassen LF · ORL-head and neck nursing, 1995
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