Leech therapy in nearly total amputation of fingers without vascular repair: a case report.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

In the absence of microvascular replantation or in crash injury cases in which obtaining an acceptable function is not possible, amputation of the injured finger seems to be the best treatment modality. Some studies recommended leech therapy for this kind of injury after vascular repair to decrease venous congestion.

CASE PRESENTATION:

In this case report, the authors presented a case of leech therapy after near total amputation of the fingers. A 25-year-old patient was admitted following a sawing injury with crashed bundles of the third, fourth and fifth fingers. Microvascular surgery was not performed because of crush injury.

DISCUSSION:

After a simple repair and pin fixation, the patient was treated using leech therapy. The result was satisfactory. The third and fourth fingers were salvaged. It seems that in cases where a small part of the skin is still attached to the amputated part, even with complete crash of both bundles, leech therapy can help salvage the amputated fingers.

• Authors: Mohammad TarazJamshidi, Farshid Bagheri, Masud Mirkazemi, Sara Amelfarzad, Hami Ashraf, Mehran Azami, Mohammad Taghi Peivandi
• Journal: Iranian Red Crescent medical journal (Iran Red Crescent Med J) Vol. 16 Issue 5 Pg. e6897 (May 2014) ISSN: 2074-1804 [Print] Estonia
• PMID: 25031865 (Publication Type: Case Reports)