Leech Therapy

It is common to have some fears and qualms about undergoing leech therapy. It is important to understand the benefits of the treatment and know that the procedure is painless. The staff will remain with you at all times when a leech is on your skin and they will support you through out the procedure. In normal circulation, blood flows through arteries to feed the body with oxygen and nutrients (called arterial flow). Veins take the used blood with waste products back (called venous flow). to the heart to be cleaned and recirculated Purpose Leech therapy is used for venous congestion and is most often used after reconstructive surgery (skin flaps or repair the blood out of the tissue until the veins are re-established in the surgical area or until the veins attach into the new reconstructive skin flap.

from a trauma). Leech therapy helps drain

because it is better than undergoing

Your doctor may wish to use leech therapy

another surgery and it can help the tissue recover. In order for leech therapy to be blood flow to the area and a temporary limited (venous) flow out of the tissue area. effective, there must be a good (arterial)

Venous congestion is a condition where

blood flows to the tissue but the veins can not pump the blood back to the heart well enough. Blood builds up in the tissues and

can cause pressure and damage in the area. The skin is usually dark red or bluish in color from the blood under the skin. History

Leeches have been used since 1500 BC.

About leeches

The nurse will then remove the leech with forceps and place it back in the container to be discarded Since the bite mark will continue to ooze blood, the nurse will check your skin cleanse the bite area every hour for 24 hours after the leech is removed. Depending on the condition of the tissue, more leeches may be applied to help drain the blood from the area. The same process will be repeated for the placement of each leech. Potential Complications

There are several types of leeches but one type (Hirudo Medicinalis leech) is used for medical patients: uses because of it's special properties that help Leeches have a Y-shaped bite that allows The leech's saliva contains a numbing

blood to continue to flow out of the area. chemical that makes the bite painless. The saliva has a "anticoagulant" (blood continue to drain blood even after the leech is taken off the skin. to help fight infection. About leech therapy thinner) chemical that causes the area to

Leeches have a natural antibiotic chemical

There is very little risk of complications

from leech therapy. The most common risk is infection from bacteria in the leech's gut (which is normal to human's skin). Infections are rare because as the blood enter the area.

A nurse will stay with you at all times when the leech is on your skin. The nurse will bring one or two leeches into your room in a small container. Your skin will be cleaned to remove any lotions or skin cleansers that may have strong odors or taste, which deter the leech. One or two leeches will be applied to

flows out of the bite, the bacteria can not

With the continued oozing of blood after the leech has been removed and the nurse likely to enter the bite mark. Your doctor may order an antibiotic to promote wound healing and prevent infection. cleansing the bite mark, bacteria is less

your skin using forceps and sterile gloves. The leech will latch onto your skin and begin the sucking process. This is painless.

The leech will stay attached until it is full and detaches itself (often 20-30 minutes). .

At any time, feel free to ask questions and and concerns.

talk to the nurse or doctor about your fears

Copyright, 1998, OhioHealth, Columbus, Ohio,

Rev. 4/2006

1201428