Relying on past science: nursing implications of medicinal leech therapy

The resurgence of leech therapy is due to a need to re-establish venous circulation after micro-surgical procedures such as the reattachment of amputated body parts. Using a medicinal leech, Hirudo medicinalis, this painless procedure can drain up to 20 ml of blood at feeding and an additional amount via slow but continuous flow after feeding. Nurses play a key role before, during, and after the therapy in educating and emotionally preparing patients and families. Guidelines for nursing actions during the therapy as well as implications for nursing research are discussed.