Infection following Leech Therapy for the Treatment of Nipple-Areola Complex Congestion after Breast Reduction: A Case Report
Case report published in Arch Plast Surg (2024)
Abstract
Several strategies for the management of venous congestion of the nipple-areola complex (NAC) after reduction mammaplasty have been proposed. Among these, hirudotherapy represents an ancient but still effective method, even though the risk of infections related to leeches should be considered. We report a peculiar case of breast infection and sepsis after leech therapy in a patient who underwent a reduction mammaplasty. A prompt surgical debridement of the wounds and necrotic tissues associated with targeted antibiotic therapy led to a fast improvement of clinical conditions, and partial preservation of the NAC was obtained. Accurate knowledge of the clinical presentation of soft tissue infections related to leeching allows for an early diagnosis and would serve as a warning for surgeons who approach such breast cosmetic procedures.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Resumen
Breast infection and sepsis after hirudotherapy for nipple-areola complex venous congestion following reduction mammoplasty. Surgical debridement and targeted antibiotics led to fast improvement and partial NAC preservation.
Por qué esto importa para la hirudoterapia
This case report describes a patient who developed breast infection and sepsis following leech therapy used to manage venous congestion of the nipple-areola complex after reduction mammaplasty. Prompt surgical debridement and targeted antibiotic therapy led to clinical improvement with partial NAC preservation. The report is directly relevant to ASH's domain as it documents a significant infectious complication of hirudotherapy, underscoring the need for clinicians to recognize early signs of soft tissue infections related to leeching. The caveat is that this is a single case report with no control group or comparative data, so the incidence or risk factors for infection cannot be assessed; the abstract provides limited microbiological detail.
Citación
Infection following Leech Therapy for the Treatment of Nipple-Areola Complex Congestion after Breast Reduction: A Case Report.
Torresetti M et al. · Archives of plastic surgery, 2024
Contexto clínico relacionado
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Añadido a la biblioteca ASH: May 26, 2026 · Última actualización del sitio: June 18, 2026