American Society of Hirudotherapy

Microsurgical complications in the upper extremity

Research article published in Hand clinics (2010)

Last Updated: June 18, 2026Reviewed by: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Narrative reviewClinical TrialsSafety & Infection ControlShores J, Andrew Lee W · Hand clinics, 2010

Abstract

Although many advances have been made in microsurgery, it is not without complications. As microsurgeons continue to make advances in technology, technique, and applications that expand the utility of this field to more and more patients, they must be prepared to deal with the complications related to donor and recipient sites and the medical comorbidity that accompanies these large endeavors in the pre-, post-, and intraoperative periods.

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

Publication typeJournal ArticleReview
Indexed MeSH termsAmputation, TraumaticAneurysmComorbidityFinger InjuriesGraft Occlusion, VascularGraft SurvivalHumansIntraoperative CareLeechingMicrosurgeryNo-Reflow PhenomenonPostoperative Care

Summary

Although many advances have been made in microsurgery, it is not without complications. As microsurgeons continue to make advances in technology, technique, and applications that expand the utility of this field to more and more patients, they must be prepared to deal with the complications related to donor and recipient sites and the medical co...

Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy

This article discusses complications encountered in microsurgery, covering issues related to donor and recipient sites as well as medical comorbidities that accompany major surgical procedures across pre-, post-, and intraoperative periods. The abstract provides a general overview of the complications microsurgeons must be prepared to manage as the field expands, without detailing specific complication types or management strategies. For ASH's domain, the abstract contains no mention of leeching, hirudotherapy, or any leech-related content. Caveat: based solely on the abstract, no defensible connection to hirudotherapy or the leech secretome can be established; any relevance to ASH cannot be confirmed without the full text.

Citation

Microsurgical complications in the upper extremity.

Shores J, Andrew Lee W · Hand clinics, 2010

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