Medical leeches have a long history in therapeutic use. Today, their role is indispensable in modern medical practices, especially in microsurgery, reconstructive procedures, and vascular treatments. The anticoagulant enzyme, hirudin, present in leech saliva, aids in improving blood flow, preventing clots, and accelerating healing.
Why do we recommend the use of leeches ?
Improved Blood Circulation
Leeches secrete an anticoagulant called hirudin, which prevents blood from clotting and enhances microcirculation in the treated area. This improved blood flow can be crucial in areas where circulation is compromised, such as reattached body parts or congested tissue flaps.
Venous Congestion Relief
After reconstructive surgeries, such as skin grafts or tissue flaps, venous congestion can threaten the success of the procedure. Leeches help alleviate this congestion by drawing excess blood and allowing fresh, oxygenated blood to flow into the area, thereby enhancing tissue viability.
Microsurgery Assistance
In the delicate process of reattaching fingers, toes, or ears, leeches are invaluable. They help restore venous outflow when veins are too small to be sutured, preventing blood from pooling and enabling successful reattachment and healing of these small body parts.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Leeches are frequently used in plastic and reconstructive surgery to relieve venous congestion in skin flaps and grafts. By ensuring better blood circulation, they increase the survival rates of transplanted tissues and improve overall surgical outcomes.
Hematoma Reduction
Post-surgical hematomas, which are accumulations of blood outside blood vessels, can cause complications and delay healing. Leeches help by draining these excess blood pools, reducing swelling and preventing clot formation in the affected area.
Treatment of Vascular Diseases
Chronic venous insufficiency and varicose veins can be effectively managed with leech therapy. By improving blood flow and reducing venous pressure, leeches alleviate symptoms and prevent complications associated with these vascular disorders.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects
The saliva of leeches contains anti-inflammatory compounds that can significantly reduce inflammation and swelling in the treated areas. This property makes leech therapy beneficial in conditions such as arthritis and other inflammatory disorders.
Wound Healing
By promoting better blood circulation and delivering antibacterial benefits, leeches enhance the healing process of chronic wounds. Their saliva helps in reducing swelling, preventing infection, and speeding up recovery, making them valuable in the treatment of persistent wounds.