The medical leech: an old treatment revisited.
review · Level V
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- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 8479316.
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Abstract
The treatment modality of choice for venous insufficiency after free tissue transfer or replantation remains surgical repair. When this is not technically possible, the use of medical leeches is a useful adjunct to treatment. This paper reviews the history of the use of leeches in medicine, the anatomy and physiology of Hirudo medicinalis, the techniques of leech therapy, and the complications and contraindications.
Medical subject headings
- Leeches
- Microsurgery