“Nunca pensé que dejaría voluntariamente que unas sanguijuelas se alimentaran de mí, pero cuando la elección era entre eso o perder mi reconstrucción, la decisión se tomó sola muy rápidamente.”
Sarah M., a 52-year-old marketing executive from Boston, shares her experience with medicinal leech therapy following complications from breast reconstruction surgery. Her story illustrates both the challenges of post-surgical complications and the potential of leech therapy as a salvage treatment.
Background: The Cancer Diagnosis
In March 2024, Sarah discovered a lump — biopsy revealed invasive ductal carcinoma, Stage IIA (2.3 cm, ER-positive, HER2-negative). She chose bilateral mastectomy with immediate DIEP flap reconstruction, followed by chemotherapy and hormonal therapy.
“I was overwhelmed with information. Given my family history and the lymph node involvement, I chose bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction.”
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Key Outcomes
Perspectiva médica
Médico tratante
Dr. Jennifer Walsh, MD
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
“Sarah's case represents a typical successful application of medicinal leech therapy for venous congestion in a DIEP flap. Key success factors: early recognition within 24 hours, prompt initiation, adequate arterial inflow, proper antibiotic prophylaxis and transfusion management. Leech therapy is our first-line treatment for venous congestion when surgical revision isn't immediately available.”
Aviso médico
Los resultados individuales varían. Estas historias representan experiencias personales y no son garantía de resultados. La hirudoterapia requiere supervisión médica adecuada. Consulte a un profesional de salud calificado antes de iniciar cualquier tratamiento.