National survey of the use and application of leeches in oral and maxillofacial surgery in the United Kingdom
Research article published in British journal of oral & maxillofacial surgery (2010)
Abstract
We investigated the use of leeches by oral and maxillofacial surgeons to establish whether they are used according to a standard protocol, and to ascertain whether clinicians Knew which leeches they are using and from where they are sourced. A self-designed questionnaire sent to 154 oral and maxillofacial surgery units in the United Kingdom included questions about the use of leeches, whether a protocol was followed, the number and type used, and their source. Of the 74 (48%) returned, 13 units (18%) used leeches, most commonly for the salvage of free flaps (n=7). Twelve units had no protocol for their application, and five respondents were either incorrect or did not know the type of leech that was used. The study shows that further education and support may be necessary in the application of leeches within the speciality, and that a protocol is needed for their use.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Summary
National survey of the use and application of leeches in oral and maxillofacial surgery in the United Kingdom.
Why This Matters for Hirudotherapy
This UK questionnaire survey sent to 154 oral and maxillofacial surgery units (74 returned, 48% response rate) found that 13 units (18%) used leeches, most commonly for salvage of free flaps; twelve units reported no protocol for application, and five respondents either did not know or misidentified the type of leech used. The study is directly relevant to hirudotherapy and ASH because it documents real-world clinical practice patterns and gaps in standardization within a surgical specialty that employs therapeutic leeching, highlighting the need for clinician education, accurate leech identification, and standardized protocols. However, as a self-reported survey with only 13 leech-using units, it provides no outcome data on efficacy or safety, does not identify which leech species were used, and may not represent practice outside this specialty or country.
Citation
National survey of the use and application of leeches in oral and maxillofacial surgery in the United Kingdom
Taneja P et al. · British journal of oral & maxillofacial surgery, 2010
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