Delayed leech-borne infection with Aeromonas hydrophilia in escharotic flap wound.
case_report · Level V
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- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 16482796.
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Abstract
Medicinal leeches (Hirudo medicinalis) are commonly used in plastic surgery for the salvage of congested flaps and replanted parts compromised by venous congestion. Infection associated with leech therapy is a documented complication of leech application, with reported incidences ranging from 2.4 to 20% [De Chalain TM. Exploring the use of the medicinal leech: a clinical risk-benefit analysis. J Reconstr Microsurg 1996;12(3):165-72.1]. We describe a case of delayed leech-borne infection, from the escharotic portion of a latissimus dorsi flap, which developed several days after stopping leech therapy for venous congestion in a reconstructed breast.
Medical subject headings
- Aeromonas
- Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections
- Leeching
- Surgical Flaps
- Surgical Wound Infection