American Society of Hirudotherapy

Supermicrosurgical replantation of a small amputated nasal tissue in a child

Case report published in Clin Case Rep (2017)

Last Updated: June 18, 2026Reviewed by: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Case reportClinical TrialsTee R et al. · Clinical case reports, 2017

Abstract

This study reports a case of an 8-year-old boy who suffered from a dog bite injury to the nose. The amputated nasal tissue measured approximately 1.0 × 1.5 cm and included part of the tip, alar, and soft triangle subunits. Both ends of an artery of less than 0.5 mm were found, and replantation was performed. Chemical leeching was performed postoperatively. At 5-year follow-up, a good aesthetic result was achieved.

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

Publication typeCase ReportsJournal Article

Summary

8-year-old boy with dog-bite nasal-tissue amputation (1.0x1.5 cm) successfully replanted via supermicrosurgical arterial anastomosis (<0.5mm) and postoperative chemical leeching. Good aesthetic outcome at 5-year follow-up.

Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy

This case report describes replantation of a small (approximately 1.0 × 1.5 cm) amputated nasal tissue in an 8-year-old boy after a dog bite, with arterial anastomosis of a vessel less than 0.5 mm. Chemical leeching was performed postoperatively, and a good aesthetic result was achieved at 5-year follow-up. This is relevant to ASH's domain as it documents adjunctive chemical leeching used after nasal replantation, a pharmacological approach conceptually related to, but distinct from, live leech therapy. The honest caveat is that this is a single case report, no details about the chemical leeching agent or mechanism are given, the method is non-leech rather than actual hirudotherapy, and the contribution of chemical leeching to the outcome cannot be isolated from the surgical repair.

Citation

Supermicrosurgical replantation of a small amputated nasal tissue in a child.

Tee R et al. · Clinical case reports, 2017

Added to ASH library: May 27, 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.