title: Digit replantation applying the leech Hirudo medicinalis.
abstract: Digits that were formerly assessed as nonreplantable may now be replanted with the help of the leech Hirudo medicinalis. The early experience with a series of patients who had relative contraindications for replantation is reported. In each case, venous repair was either marginal or technically impossible. Postoperative venous congestion developed following replantation and was treated with the application of medicinal leeches. Patient acceptance was high, and no infections developed. No patient required transfusion. The authors conclude that the use of medicinal leeches shows promise as a safe and effective method of providing temporary venous drainage in replanted digits.
authors.affiliation: Division of Hand Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, CA 94305.
authors.forename: G A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Brody
authors.forename: W J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Maloney
authors.forename: V R
authors.initials: VR
authors.lastname: Hentz
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000673:Amputation, Traumatic / Q000601:surgery*; D000818:Animals; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005383:Finger Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D005385:Fingers / Q000098:blood supply; D006801:Humans; D007865:Leeches; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000379:methods; D012092:Replantation; D014680:Veins