Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 20, 2026
04:20
A Saline/Bipolar Radiofrequency Energy Device As an Adjunct for Hemostasis in Solid Organ Injury/Trauma
Published on: July 28, 2020
Prolonged bleeding due to a medicinal leech bite: another treatment method, primary suture.
Suat Zengin1, Pinar Yarbil, Hasan Kilic
1Emergency Department of Medicine, Gaziantep University Hospital, Gaziantep, Turkey. zengins76@gmail.com
BMJ Case Reports
|July 18, 2012
Summary
Prolonged bleeding from medicinal leech therapy, used for acne, can occur. Applying direct sutures to neck wounds effectively controlled this persistent bleeding in a patient.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Vascular Surgery
- Integrative Medicine
Background:
- Medicinal leeches (Hirudinea) have a long history in therapeutic applications.
- Leech therapy is sometimes used for cosmetic purposes, including acne treatment.
- Hirudin, an anticoagulant secreted by leeches, can cause prolonged bleeding.
Observation:
- A 25-year-old male presented with persistent bleeding from bilateral neck wounds.
- The patient self-administered medicinal leeches to treat acne on his neck.
- Bleeding persisted for 10 hours and was unresponsive to sterile gauze pressure.
Findings:
- The persistent hemorrhage was successfully managed by primary suture under local anesthesia.
- This case highlights the potential for significant bleeding post-leech application.
- Suturing provides an effective method for achieving hemostasis in such cases.
Implications:
- Medical professionals should be aware of the risk of prolonged bleeding after leech therapy.
- Prompt and effective hemostatic measures, such as suturing, are crucial for managing complications.
- This underscores the importance of informed consent and medical supervision for alternative therapies.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Esophageal Varices-II: Clinical Features and Management
Esophageal varices often manifest as gastrointestinal bleeding episodes, presenting symptoms like hematemesis (vomiting of blood), hematochezia (passing fresh blood via the rectum), and melena (black, tarry stools). Other signs can include weight loss, anorexia, abdominal discomfort, jaundice, pruritus, altered mental status, and muscle cramps.
In the initial assessment, a thorough review of the patient's medical history is vital to identify risk factors such as liver disease, alcohol abuse, or...
In the initial assessment, a thorough review of the patient's medical history is vital to identify risk factors such as liver disease, alcohol abuse, or...
01:30Epistaxis
Epistaxis, or nosebleeds, occurs when small, swollen blood vessels in the nasal mucous membrane rupture. Typically, the anterior septum is the primary site of occurrence.
Etiology
Possible causes of this condition include high blood pressure, trauma, low humidity, upper respiratory tract infections, allergies, foreign bodies, nasal inhalation of corticosteroids or illicit drugs, excessive use of decongestant nasal sprays, facial or nasal surgery, anatomic malformation, tumors, or systemic...
Etiology
Possible causes of this condition include high blood pressure, trauma, low humidity, upper respiratory tract infections, allergies, foreign bodies, nasal inhalation of corticosteroids or illicit drugs, excessive use of decongestant nasal sprays, facial or nasal surgery, anatomic malformation, tumors, or systemic...
01:29Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care
Venous thrombosis requires effective prevention and treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes and reduce potential complications.Prevention StrategiesHealthcare providers must prioritize preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE) for all adult patients upon admission. Interventions depend on bleeding and thrombosis risk, medical history, current medications, diagnoses, planned procedures, and patient preferences. Patients on bed rest should change positions every two hours and, if not...
01:26Aneurysm III: Interprofessional Care
Aneurysm management involves either conservative medical therapy or surgical intervention, depending on the size and symptoms of the aneurysm. Conservative management is generally reserved for smaller, asymptomatic aneurysms, while larger or symptomatic aneurysms often necessitate surgical repair.Conservative Medical TherapyFor small, asymptomatic aneurysms, particularly abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) less than 5.5 centimeters in diameter, conservative medical therapy is recommended. This...
01:26Pharmaceutical Poisoning: Treatment Strategies
Treatment strategies for poisoning are a critical aspect of emergency medicine, focusing on preventing the absorption of toxins and enhancing their elimination. When a poisoning incident occurs, the first response is to halt exposure and decontaminate the patient, particularly through gastrointestinal (GI) methods if the poison was ingested.Gastrointestinal Decontamination Techniques:Activated charcoal is the cornerstone of GI decontamination. It works through adsorption, binding the toxin to...
01:26Varicose Veins II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
Varicose veins, or varicosities, develop when the valves in the veins, which control blood flow, weaken or damage. It causes blood to pool and the veins to enlarge. Understanding the clinical manifestations, diagnostic approaches, and management options for varicose veins is crucial for effective treatment and relief.Clinical manifestationsClinical manifestations of varicose veins include a heavy, achy feeling or pain after prolonged standing or sitting. This discomfort can often be relieved by...