Sociedad Americana de Hirudoterapia

Leech-borne infection on a TRAM flap: a case report

Case report published in Ann Chir Plast Esthet (2009)

Última actualización: June 18, 2026Revisado por: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Case reportSeguridad y control de infeccionesEnsayos clínicosBourdais L et al. · Annales de chirurgie plastique et esthetique, 2009

Abstract

Leeches are used worldwide to treat venous congestion of flaps. Aeromonas hydrophila infections are recognized complications of leech use. We report a new case of delayed leech-borne infection in mammary reconstruction by a Transverse Rectus Abdominis Myocutaneous flap (TRAM), which caused the flap loss. The use of prophylactic antibiotics is a way to prevent A.hydrophila infection (third generation cephalosporin, ciprofloxacin). This antibioprophylaxy must be followed until wound closure of the venous congested tissue.

Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.

Publication typeCase ReportsEnglish AbstractJournal Article
Indexed MeSH termsAeromonas hydrophilaCephalosporinsCiprofloxacinFemaleGram-Negative Bacterial InfectionsHumansLeechingMammaplastyMiddle AgedRectus AbdominisSurgical Flaps

Resumen

Case of delayed Aeromonas hydrophila leech-borne infection causing TRAM flap loss in breast reconstruction. Recommends antibioprophylaxis with 3rd-generation cephalosporin or ciprofloxacin until wound closure.

Por qué esto importa para la hirudoterapia

This case report describes a delayed Aeromonas hydrophila infection occurring on a Transverse Rectus Abdominis Myocutaneous (TRAM) flap during mammary reconstruction, where the infection caused loss of the flap. The abstract notes that leeches are used worldwide to treat venous congestion of flaps and that A. hydrophila infections are recognized complications of leech use. The authors recommend prophylactic antibiotics (third-generation cephalosporin or ciprofloxacin) continued until wound closure of the venous congested tissue. For ASH's domain, this paper documents a clinically important infectious complication of medicinal leech application in reconstructive surgery. The primary limitation is that it is a single case report describing an adverse event; it does not evaluate overall leech therapy success rates or provide comparative efficacy data.

Citación

Leech-borne infection on a TRAM flap: a case report.

Bourdais L et al. · Annales de chirurgie plastique et esthetique, 2009

DOI

Contexto clínico relacionado

Explore cómo esta investigación se conecta con la práctica clínica

Safety ProtocolsAeromonas ManagementClinical EvidenceClinical ApplicationsAeromonasAntimicrobial PeptidesSurgeryMicrosurgery Outcomes

Añadido a la biblioteca ASH: May 27, 2026 · Última actualización del sitio: June 18, 2026

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