Compromised breast flap treated with leech therapy, hyperbaric oxygen, pentoxifylline and topical nitroglycerin: A case report
Case report published in Undersea Hyperb Med (2015)
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) is often indicated in compromised surgical flaps. Although limited to animal models and human case reports, the utilization of leech therapy (Hirudo medicinalis) with HBO2 provides better outcomes than each modality alone. Topical nitroglycerin and pentoxifylline are also frequently used adjunctively for compromised flaps. We present a case of successful breast flap salvage utilizing a combination of leech therapy, HBO2, topical nitroglycerin and pentoxifylline. CASE REPORT: A 34-year-old female, one day post-status cosmetic breast reduction mammoplasty developed a dusky discoloration of the left nipple areolar complex, indicating imminent flap failure. The patient was immediately treated with topical nitroglycerin, oral pentoxifylline, and referred for HBO2. After her first HBO2 treatment, there was clinical improvement to the superior portion of the areolar flap, with little improvement inferiorly where the discoloration had remained essentially unchanged. To address this, we added leech therapy and discontinued the topical nitroglycerin. Ceftriaxone for Aeromonas prophylaxis was started, and leeches were attached two at a time and removed from the area once feeding had ceased. These were applied three times per day for three days while receiving HBO2 twice per day for six days. The patient's flap improved and completely healed by Week 8 without need for further surgery. CONCLUSION: This is the first case to our knowledge of successful breast flap salvage using a combination of leech therapy, HBO2, topical nitroglycerin and pentoxifylline.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Resumen
34-year-old female post-cosmetic breast reduction with compromised areolar flap salvaged by combined leech therapy, hyperbaric oxygen, pentoxifylline, and topical nitroglycerin with complete healing by 8 weeks.
Por qué esto importa para la hirudoterapia
This case report describes a 34-year-old female who developed dusky discoloration of the left nipple-areolar complex one day after cosmetic breast reduction mammoplasty, indicating imminent flap failure. She was treated with a combination of leech therapy (Hirudo medicinalis, two leeches at a time, three times per day for three days), hyperbaric oxygen, pentoxifylline, and initial topical nitroglycerin, with ceftriaxone started for Aeromonas prophylaxis; the flap completely healed by week 8 without further surgery. For ASH's domain, this case directly documents hirudotherapy used adjunctively for compromised breast flap salvage, including explicit attention to Aeromonas prophylaxis—practically relevant content. The clear limitation is that this is a single case report with no control group and combination therapy, so no causal attribution to leech therapy alone or generalizability can be claimed.
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Añadido a la biblioteca ASH: May 27, 2026 · Última actualización del sitio: June 18, 2026