title: Leech therapy for venous congestion following myocutaneous pectoralis flap reconstruction.
abstract: Medicinal leech therapy is recorded as early as 200 B.C. to treat everything from mental illness to headaches. The medicinal leech (Hirudo medicinalis) is used today as a successful treatment for venous congestion following replantation or transplantation of tissue. This paper discusses specific leeching properties, indications for use, nursing care and expected outcomes of leech therapy.
authors.forename: J F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Adams
authors.forename: L F
authors.initials: LF
authors.lastname: Lassen
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004487:Edema / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007865:Leeches; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D010351:Patient Discharge; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000009:adverse effects*