Efficacy of Irsal-i-Alaq (Hirudotheraphy) in the Management of Venous Ulcer: A Case Report

Abstract

Background: The most frequent and recurring type of leg ulcers seen in general practise is a venous ulcer (stasis ulcer). Its neglect has a considerable negative influence on quality of life, might result in gangrene, and may necessitate amputating the affected limb. The most serious and incapacitating complication of chronic venous insufficiency is venous ulcer. The conventional system of medicine offers limited clinical evidence for its effectiveness and usually needs amputation. Hence, it can be managed well by one of the Unani regimens, i.e., Irsal-e-Alaq (Hirudotherapy). Objective: The purpose of this case report is to provide insight into the effects of Irsal-e-Alaq (Hirudotherapy) in venous ulcer. Intervention: A 53-year-old male who has complaints of ulcer in left lower leg near lateral malleolus with swelling, pain, discharge and darkening of skin of left lower limb. Four leeches were applied once every 15 days for 45 days. Ulcer was assessed on 0th day, 15th day, 30th day and 45th day on the basis of area of the wound in a square centimetre, appearance of healthy granulation tissues, epithelization in percentage and depth of wound in centimetres, pain (VAS scoring), discharge, smell and number of wounds. Results: on the first day wound size was 4 cm long, 3 cm wide, 2 cm deep and the floor filled with dark granulation tissue with 0 % epithelization, discharge, pain and smell. On the 45th day ulcer was completely healed with 100% epithelization. Conclusion: Irsal-e-Alaq has been proven beneficial in treating venous ulcers and enhancing patients' quality of life. To determine the effectiveness of Irsal-e-Alaq in the management of venous ulcer, rigorous, controlled, randomised, blinded, and long-term follow-up studies on high sample sizes are required.
 Keywords: Hirudotherapy, Unani Medicine, Leech Therapy, Varicose Ulcers