Leech therapy in nearly total amputation of fingers without vascular repair: a case report
Research article published in Iranian Red Crescent medical journal (2014)
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: In the absence of microvascular replantation or in crash injury cases in which obtaining an acceptable function is not possible, amputation of the injured finger seems to be the best treatment modality. Some studies recommended leech therapy for this kind of injury after vascular repair to decrease venous congestion. CASE PRESENTATION: In this case report, the authors presented a case of leech therapy after near total amputation of the fingers. A 25-year-old patient was admitted following a sawing injury with crashed bundles of the third, fourth and fifth fingers. Microvascular surgery was not performed because of crush injury. DISCUSSION: After a simple repair and pin fixation, the patient was treated using leech therapy. The result was satisfactory. The third and fourth fingers were salvaged. It seems that in cases where a small part of the skin is still attached to the amputated part, even with complete crash of both bundles, leech therapy can help salvage the amputated fingers.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Resumen
Peer-reviewed clinical and outcomes research relevant to medicinal leech therapy and its biology. Indexed in PubMed and verified against the NCBI record.
Por qué esto importa para la hirudoterapia
Este informe de caso describe a un paciente de 25 años con una amputación casi total de los dedos tercero, cuarto y quinto de una lesión por corte con fascículos aplastados, en el que la replantación microvascular no era factible; después de una reparación simple y fijación con agujas, los dedos se manejaron con terapia de sanguijuelas y los dedos tercero y cuarto se salvaron. Es directamente relevante para el papel establecido de la hirudoterapia de aliviar la congestión venosa en tejido comprometido, y notablemente explora el uso de sanguijuelas incluso sin reparación vascular cuando la piel permanece adherida. Advertencia: este es un informe de caso único, el nivel más bajo de evidencia clínica, que describe un escenario inusual; es generador de hipótesis y no puede establecer la eficacia ni definir qué amputaciones son salvables mediante sanguijuelas.
Citación
Leech therapy in nearly total amputation of fingers without vascular repair: a case report.
TarazJamshidi et al. · Iranian Red Crescent medical journal, 2014
Contexto clínico relacionado
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Añadido a la biblioteca ASH: May 28, 2026 · Última actualización del sitio: June 18, 2026