Leech Therapy Following Digital Replantation and Revascularization. [Review]
Citation: Journal of Hand Surgery - American Volume. 45(7):638-643, 2020 Jul.PMID: 32493632Department: Curtis National Hand CenterForm of publication: Journal ArticleMedline article type(s): Journal Article | ReviewSubject headings: IN PROCESS -- NOT YET INDEXEDYear: 2020ISSN:- 0363-5023
Item type | Current library | Collection | Call number | Status | Date due | Barcode |
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Journal Article | MedStar Authors Catalog | Article | 32493632 | Available | 32493632 |
Venous congestion after digital replantation or revascularization threatens digit survival in the immediate postoperative period. External bloodletting, including leech therapy, provides a central role in salvage of the congested finger. Although there have been previous studies describing the initiation of leech therapy for digits experiencing venous insufficiency, few published articles and no consensus guidelines have discussed the weaning of leeches in the postoperative period. We review the current evidence behind leech therapy and offer a treatment algorithm based on available data and existing leech weaning protocols. Copyright (c) 2020 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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