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Related Experiment Videos

Leech therapy for complicated varicose veins

R D Bapat1, B S Acharya, S Juvekar

  • 1Department of General Surgery, Therapeutics & Ayurveda Research Centre, Seth G.S. Medical College, Mumbai.

The Indian Journal of Medical Research
|August 14, 1998
PubMed
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Medicinal leech therapy effectively treated varicose ulcers by reducing swelling and improving healing. This study suggests leeches may be a valuable addition to managing complicated varicose veins.

Area of Science:

  • Vascular Surgery
  • Complementary Medicine

Background:

  • Complicated varicose veins often present with edema, hyperpigmentation, and ulceration.
  • Limb bandaging offers variable success in managing these complications.
  • Medicinal leech therapy has not been previously investigated for varicose vein complications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of medicinal leech therapy in managing complicated varicose veins.
  • To assess leech therapy's impact on venous decongestion, edema, hyperpigmentation, and ulcer healing.
  • To determine if medicinal leeches selectively extract venous blood.

Main Methods:

  • Medicinal leech (Hirudo medicinalis) application to the perilesional area in 20 patients.
  • Monitoring of ulcer healing, edema, hyperpigmentation, and limb girth.

Related Experiment Videos

  • Comparison of partial pressure of oxygen (pO2) in arterial, venous, and leech-extracted blood in 7 patients.

    • Main Results:

    • All ulcers demonstrated healing post-leech therapy.
    • 95% of patients experienced reduced edema and limb girth.
    • 75% of patients showed decreased hyperpigmentation.
    • Leech-extracted blood pO2 (40.05 mmHg) was similar to patient venous blood pO2 (34.33 mmHg).

    Conclusions:

    • Medicinal leech therapy appears to promote venous decongestion and aid in the healing of varicose ulcers.
    • The findings suggest leeches selectively extract venous blood.
    • Leech therapy may serve as an effective adjunct treatment for complicated varicose veins, warranting further controlled trials.