Hirudo Medicinalis and the plastic surgeon
Research article published in British journal of plastic surgery (2004)
Abstract
Medicinal leech therapy is an ancient craft that dates back to ancient Egypt and the beginnings of civilisation. The popularity of Hirudo Medicinalis has varied throughout history, reaching such a peak in Europe in the early 19th century that supplies were exhausted. During the latter half of the 19th century, their use fell out of favour, as they did not fit in with the emerging concepts of modern medicine. Leeches have enjoyed a renaissance in the world of reconstructive microsurgery during recent years, and their first reported use in alleviating venous engorgement following flap surgery was reported in this journal [M Derganc, F Zdravic, Venous congestion of flaps treated by application of leeches, Br J Plast Surg 13 (1960) 187]. Contemporary plastic and reconstructive surgeons in units throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland continue to use leeches to aid salvage of failing flaps. We carried out a survey of all 62 plastic surgery units in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland to assess the current extent of use, and to investigate current practice. We have shown that the majority of plastic surgery units in the UK and Ireland use leeches post-operatively and that the average number of patients requiring leech therapy was 10 cases per unit per year. Almost all units use antibiotic prophylaxis, but the type of antibiotic and combination used is variable. We outline current practice and suggest a protocol for the use of leeches. Whilst the use of leeches is widespread, the plastic surgery community has progressed little in defining indications for their use or in achieving an accepted protocol for their application in units throughout the UK and Ireland.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Resumen
Medicinal leech therapy is an ancient craft that dates back to ancient Egypt and the beginnings of civilization. The popularity of Hirudo Medicinalis has varied throughout history, reaching such a peak in Europe in the early 19th century that supplies were exhausted.
Por qué esto importa para la hirudoterapia
Este estudio encuestó las 62 unidades de cirugía plástica del Reino Unido e Irlanda para evaluar el uso actual de Hirudo medicinalis en el cuidado postoperatorio, encontrando que la mayoría de las unidades emplean la terapia con sanguijuelas para el salvamento de colgajos comprometidos, con un promedio de aproximadamente 10 casos por unidad al año, con profilaxis antibiótica casi universal pero una variabilidad considerable en la elección y combinación de antibióticos. Es directamente relevante para la hirudoterapia, ya que documenta los patrones de práctica clínica en el mundo real y resalta la falta de indicaciones o protocolos estandarizados para la aplicación de sanguijuelas a pesar de su amplia adopción. Los autores proponen un protocolo para ayudar a unificar la práctica. Como encuesta de práctica, captura los hábitos de utilización y procedimientos más que los resultados comparativos, la eficacia o las tasas de complicaciones, y sus hallazgos están limitados geográficamente al Reino Unido e Irlanda; por lo tanto, informa sobre el contexto de la práctica clínica pero no constituye por sí mismo evidencia de eficacia terapéutica.
Citación
Hirudo Medicinalis and the plastic surgeon.
Whitaker I et al. · British journal of plastic surgery, 2004
Contexto clínico relacionado
Explore cómo esta investigación se conecta con la práctica clínica
Añadido a la biblioteca ASH: March 18, 2026 · Última actualización del sitio: June 18, 2026