“Clinical study of leech application in various medico-surgical conditions”

Abstract

IntroductionThe study evaluates the effectiveness of medicinal leech (Hirudo medicinalis) therapy in a population of 150 patients having various medico-surgical conditions to treat diseases like varicose veins, varicose ulcers, perianal haematoma, skin diseases (such as eczema, herpes zoster), inflamed or thrombosed piles and other inflammatory conditions including gangrene and traumatic inflammation. MethodsThe assessment score was recorded on various parameters namely – pain, tenderness, swelling, redness, local temperature, stiffness, Kandu (itching), slough, srava, daha (burning sensation), tvakrukshata (dryness of skin), granulation tissue, assessment of base/floor and wound size. Wilcoxan Signed Rank test was used to compare the pre and post leech application score. ResultThe study clearly indicated significant reduction in severity of pain, burning sensation, itching swelling among the patients. The mean pO2 of blood (40.05) sucked by leeches was found to be almost equal to that of venous blood of the patient (34.55). ConclusionLeech sucked venous blood contributes to reduction in severity of symptoms. The study recommends the therapy to be used as a para-surgical therapy in the management of various medico-surgical conditions mentioned above.