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Venous engorged tissue flaps treated with medicinal leeches
I R Rodgers1, A S Grove, D G Silverman
1Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston.
Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
|January 11, 1992
Summary
Medicinal leeches did not improve pedicle flap tolerance to venous congestion in rabbits. Leech-treated flaps showed poorer reperfusion, with no significant difference between groups.
Area of Science:
- Regenerative Medicine
- Vascular Surgery
- Biomedical Research
Background:
- Venous congestion is a significant complication in pedicle flap surgery.
- Leeches have been historically used for their anticoagulant properties.
- Improving flap survival under ischemic conditions remains a clinical challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of medicinal leeches in enhancing pedicle flap tolerance to venous congestion.
- To assess the impact of leech therapy on tissue viability and reperfusion.
Main Methods:
- Axial pedicle flaps were surgically created on rabbit ears.
- Venous circulation was compromised using suture ligatures.
- Seven flaps were treated with medicinal leeches; seven served as controls.
- Tissue viability was evaluated via clinical examination and fluorescein dye fluorometry.
Main Results:
- Leech-treated flaps exhibited diminished reperfusion compared to untreated controls.
- No statistically significant differences in tissue viability were observed between the leech-treated and control groups.
- Clinical assessment and fluorometric analysis indicated poorer outcomes with leech application.
Conclusions:
- Medicinal leech application did not improve, and potentially worsened, pedicle flap tolerance to venous congestion.
- Further research is needed to understand the complex interactions between leeches and compromised vascular tissues.
- Current findings do not support the use of medicinal leeches for managing venous congestion in pedicle flaps.