When and how should leeches be applied in cases of venous congestion?

Aim of this study is to discuss the results of cases where leeches were applied to prevent the development of venous congestion following replantation and flap surgery. Methods Leeches were applied to a total of 31 patients with appropriate and sufficient follow-up in the Orthopaedics and Traumatology Clinics of Antalya State Hospital and Antalya Training and Research Hospital between 1997 and 2015. The patients comprised 20 cases of replantation and 11 cases of crush syndrome. The rates of necrosis were examined in these patients following the application of leeches. Results Following the application of leeches, necrosis was determined in 5 of the 20 adult replantation or revascularisation cases with venous congestion and in 6 of the 11 cases of crush injury. No serious allergic reaction was observed in any case following leech application. Conclusion In patients with replantation or crush injuries who cannot be treated by conventional methods, the application of leeches is an effective method in the treatment of venous congestion

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