Application of Leech Therapy After Replantation of Severed Distal Fingers

Abstract

Objective: Prevention and treatment of venous crisis after reconstructive microsurgery is complicated and every clinician has concern about it. We present our clinical experience with blood-sucking leech therapy for replantation of severed fingers. Methods: Blood-sucking leech therapy was prescribed for venous crisis due to various causes from July 2019-2020 in 8 patients whose distal fingers were severed. Results: After clinical application, their venous congestion was relieved, all the affected fingers survived, and the curative effect was satisfactory. Conclusion: In venous crisis after the replantation of severed fingers, blood-sucking leech therapy has a significant effect which can successfully prevent finger death caused by congestion, reduce the rate of necrosis, and improve survival rate. It is worthy of applying in clinical practice.

Keywords

• finger injuries
• microsurgery
• leeching
• hirudo medicinalis