Leeches in the intensive care unit: nursing care
Research article published in Enfermeria clinica (2007)
Abstract
Leeches have been used in medicine since ancient times. Leeches or Hirudos were used to treat multiple diseases, since the bleeding they induce was related to purification. This practice subsequently fell into disuse until the 1980s when leeches again began to be applied in the treatment of venous congestion and in plastic and reconstructive surgery, especially in the USA and Germany. The use of leeches is not yet widespread in Spain. One of the Spanish hospitals pioneering this practice is the University Hospital Joan XXIII de Tarragona, where leeches are employed in the Maxillofacial Service among patients with microvascularized grafts. The present article describes the therapeutic use of leeches (Hirudo medicinalis), as well as the nursing care and complications in patients undergoing this treatment. The aim is to ensure that this new technique is used with maximal safety and quality.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Resumen
Leeches have been used in medicine since ancient times.
Por qué esto importa para la hirudoterapia
This article describes the therapeutic use of medicinal leeches (Hirudo medicinalis) in a Spanish university hospital's Maxillofacial Service, detailing nursing care protocols, complications, and safety considerations for patients with microvascularized grafts. It is directly relevant to ASH's domain as a clinical practice report on hirudotherapy applied to venous congestion in plastic and reconstructive surgery. The abstract notes that leech therapy fell into disuse before resurging in the 1980s, and emphasizes ensuring maximal safety and quality. However, this appears to be a descriptive practice article without controlled trial data or quantitative outcomes; the abstract provides no comparative efficacy results, limiting its evidentiary value.
Citación
Leeches in the intensive care unit: nursing care
de Los Mozos-Prez B et al. · Enfermeria clinica, 2007
Contexto clínico relacionado
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Añadido a la biblioteca ASH: May 27, 2026 · Última actualización del sitio: June 18, 2026