Hirudo medicinalis: ancient origins of, and trends in the use of medicinal leeches throughout history
Historical review published in Br J Oral Maxillofac Surg (2004)
Abstract
Blood letting and the therapeutic use of Hirudo medicinalis date back to ancient Egypt and the beginning of civilisation. Their popularity has varied over the years, reaching such a peak in Europe between 1825 and 1850 that supplies were exhausted. Towards the end of the century they fell out of favour and, during this period, the leech, once used by the physicians of emperors and influential academic surgeons, became associated with lay therapists and quackery. Leeches have enjoyed a renaissance in reconstructive microsurgery during the last 15 years, having been used by maxillofacial [Br. J. Oral Maxillofac. Surg 41 (2003) 44] and other reconstructive surgeons to aid salvage of compromised microvascular free tissue transfers [Laryngoscope 108 (1998) 1129; Br. J. Plast. Surg. 34 (1984) 358], replanted digits [Int. J. Microsurg. 3 (1981) 265], ears [Ann. Plast. Surg. 43 (1999) 427], lips [Plast. Reconstr. Surg. 102 (1998) 358; J. Reconstr. Microsurg. 9 (1993) 327] and nasal tips [Br. J. Oral Maxillofac. Surg. 36 (1998) 462]. Peer-reviewed evidence suggests that the survival of compromised, venous-congested tissues is improved by early application of a leech [J. Reconstr. Microsurg. 12 (1996) 165; Arch. Otolaryngol. Head Neck Surg. 114 (1988) 1395; Br. J. Plast. Surg. 45 (1992) 235]. Leeches have also recently been used to treat a wide range of conditions, including periorbital haematomas [Br. J. Ophthalmol. 75 (1991) 755], severe macroglossia [Otolaryngol. Head Neck Surg. 125 (2001) 649; J. Laryngol. Otol. 109 (1995) 442] and purpura fulminans [Ann. Plast. Surg. 35 (1995) 300]. The first medicinal leech farm, Biopharm, was set up in Swansea in 1981 by Dr Roy Sawyer, and now supplies leeches to hospitals all over the world. In this paper, we summarise the history of treatment with Hirudo medicinalis from its origin to the present day, and take a brief look at the possible future of the annelid.
Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.
Резюме
Traces the use of Hirudo medicinalis from ancient Egypt through the 1825–1850 European leech-craze (when natural supplies were exhausted) to modern reconstructive microsurgery, including the 1981 founding of Biopharm leech farm in Swansea.
Почему это важно для гирудотерапии
This historical article traces the use of Hirudo medicinalis from ancient Egypt through European peak popularity (1825–1850), its decline and association with lay therapy, and its modern renaissance in reconstructive microsurgery for salvaging compromised flaps, replanted digits, ears, lips, and nasal tips. The authors reference peer-reviewed evidence that early leech application improves survival of venous-congested tissues and note the founding of the first medicinal leech farm (Biopharm, Swansea, 1981). The article is directly relevant to ASH's domain, providing historical context for hirudotherapy's evolution and current reconstructive applications. The caveat is that this is a historical narrative without original data, and the referenced clinical evidence is cited but not systematically appraised within the abstract.
Цитирование
Historical Article: Hirudo medicinalis: ancient origins of, and trends in the use of medicinal leeches throughout history.
Whitaker IS et al. · The British journal of oral & maxillofacial surgery, 2004
Связанный клинический контекст
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