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[Leeches in the intensive care unit: nursing care]
Belén de Los Mozos-Pérez1, Isabel Font-Jiménez
1Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos, Hospital Universitario Joan XXIII, Tarragona, España. belenmp88@yahoo.es
Enfermeria Clinica
|October 5, 2007
Summary
Leech therapy, using Hirudo medicinalis, is reviving for treating venous congestion and in reconstructive surgery. This article details its medical applications, nursing care, and potential complications for safe implementation.
Area of Science:
- Medical Science
- Biotechnology
- Surgical Innovation
Context:
- Historical use of leeches (Hirudo medicinalis) for medicinal purposes dates back to ancient times.
- Modern resurgence of leech therapy in the 1980s for venous congestion and reconstructive surgery, particularly in the USA and Germany.
- Limited adoption in Spain, with University Hospital Joan XXIII de Tarragona as a pioneer in Maxillofacial Service applications for microvascularized grafts.
Purpose:
- To describe the therapeutic applications of Hirudo medicinalis in modern medicine.
- To outline essential nursing care protocols for patients undergoing leech therapy.
- To identify and manage potential complications associated with this treatment.
Summary:
- Leeches (Hirudo medicinalis) are being reintroduced for medical treatments, including venous congestion and reconstructive surgery.
- The University Hospital Joan XXIII de Tarragona is utilizing leech therapy in its Maxillofacial Service for patients with microvascularized grafts.
- This article provides a comprehensive overview of leech therapy, focusing on nursing care and complication management.
Impact:
- Enhancing the safety and quality of leech therapy implementation in clinical settings.
- Supporting the integration of this historical treatment into contemporary surgical and medical practices.
- Providing a valuable resource for healthcare professionals adopting or utilizing leech therapy.
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