Leech therapy in digital replantation.
This article presents a protocol for the perioperative care of patients undergoing digital replantation, which is the most common microsurgical procedure performed today. Venous congestion, a common complication of digital replantation, often has been treated through surgical exploration and creation of arteriovenous anastomosis. Leech therapy, however, is experiencing a resurgence among surgeons as an alternative method for treating venous congestion. This article discusses the anatomical, physiological, and clinical indications and methods of leech therapy in digital replantation.
University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, USA.
M A
MA
Golden
J J
JJ
Quinn
M T
MT
Partington
D000673:Amputation, Traumatic / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D000818:Animals; D005383:Finger Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D005385:Fingers / Q000098:blood supply; D006801:Humans; D007865:Leeches; D013527:Perioperative Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D012092:Replantation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000451:nursing; D014689:Venous Insufficiency / Q000628:therapy*