Quantifying outcomes for leech therapy in digit revascularization and replantation
Research article published in The Journal of hand surgery, European volume (2019)
Abstract
We retrospectively reviewed 201 digit replantations or revascularizations that were performed between August 2007 and June 2015. Leeching therapy was used in 48 digits and was more commonly required in replanted digits. In revascularized digits, leeching was used significantly more frequently in avulsion injuries and injuries associated with fractures. Digits that were leeched for more than 4.5 days had significantly higher rates of survival of digits after replantation or revascularization. Leeching was associated with higher incidence of transfusion, higher mean number of transfusions, and longer length of stay. We conclude from this study that leeching is used more frequently after digital replantation than revascularizaion, and in revascularized digits, leeching is used more often in avulsion injury and in patients with fractures. In patients requiring leeching therapy, leaching for more than 4.5 days leads to higher rate of digital survival. Level of evidence: IV.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Summary
We retrospectively reviewed 201 digit replantations or revascularizations that were performed between August 2007 and June 2015. Leeching therapy was used in 48 digits and was more commonly required in replanted digits.
Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy
This study retrospectively reviewed 201 digit replantations or revascularizations performed between 2007 and 2015, examining the use and outcomes of leeching therapy in 48 digits. The authors found that leeching was more commonly required in replanted digits, and in revascularized digits was used more frequently in avulsion injuries and injuries with associated fractures; leeching beyond 4.5 days was associated with significantly higher digit survival rates. This study is directly relevant to hirudotherapy, providing quantitative clinical outcome data on leech use in digital microsurgery and suggesting a therapeutic duration threshold. As a Level IV evidence retrospective study, it demonstrates associations rather than causation; additionally, leeching was linked to higher transfusion incidence and longer hospital stays, underscoring the need for judicious application and highlighting trade-offs clinicians must weigh.
Citation
Quantifying outcomes for leech therapy in digit revascularization and replantation.
Lee Z et al. · The Journal of hand surgery, European volume, 2019
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