Leech Therapy Following Digital Replantation and Revascularization

Venous congestion after digital replantation or revascularization threatens digit survival in the immediate postoperative period. External bloodletting, including leech therapy, provides a central role in salvage of the congested finger. Although there have been previous studies describing the initiation of leech therapy for digits experiencing venous insufficiency, few published articles and no consensus guidelines have discussed the weaning of leeches in the postoperative period. We review the current evidence behind leech therapy and offer a treatment algorithm based on available data and existing leech weaning protocols.

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

Venous congestion after digital replantation or revascularization threatens digit survival in the immediate postoperative period. External bloodletting, including leech therapy, provides a central role in salvage of the congested finger.

Узнайте, как это исследование связано с клинической практикой

More peer-reviewed studies in Клинические исследования.

• Leech Therapy for Knee Osteoarthritis — The Landmark RCT — Michalsen et al. (2003)
• Leech-Assisted Flap Salvage — Systematic Review of 277 Cases — Whitaker et al. (2012)
• Institutional Outcomes in Leech-Assisted Microsurgery — 87 Patients — Cornejo A et al. (2017)
• Leech Therapy for Knee OA — Confirmatory RCT — Andereya S et al. (2008)
• Leech Therapy for OA — Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis — Lauche R et al. (2014)
• Leech Therapy for Thumb Osteoarthritis — RCT — Michalsen A et al. (2008)
• BRIGHT-4 Trial — Bivalirudin vs Heparin by BMI — BRIGHT-4 Investigators (2025)
• Aeromonas hydrophila Infections Following Leech Use in Flap Surgery — Lineaweaver WC et al. (1992)
• Leech Therapy for Lateral Epicondylitis — RCT — Michalsen A et al. (2014)
• Leech Therapy in Flap Salvage — Timing and Practical Recommendations — Herlin C et al. (2017)