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
What the study examined: this UK national survey questioned 154 oral and maxillofacial surgery units (74 responded, 48%) about their use of medicinal leeches; 13 units (18%) reported using leeches, most often to salvage free flaps (n=7), but 12 of those units had no protocol for application and five respondents were incorrect or did not know the type of leech used. Why it matters for hirudotherapy: this is direct evidence about real-world clinical practice with Hirudo medicinalis in reconstructive surgery, documenting both that leech therapy is used as a free-flap salvage tool and that standardization, sourcing knowledge, and written protocols are frequently lacking, supporting ASH's emphasis on protocolized, properly sourced application. Caveat: this is a small single-country survey with a moderate response rate reflecting self-reported practice patterns at one point in time, not a clinical outcomes study, so it describes how leeches are used rather than how well they work.
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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