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.
Golden
M A
MA
University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, USA.
Quinn
J J
JJ
Partington
M T
MT
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*