Overview of Leech Therapy as an Alternative Treatment for Varicose Ulcers: Mechanisms and Efficacy

Abstract

Varicose ulcer, the most severe and debilitating complication of chronic venous insufficiency in the lower limbs, impart substantial obstacles in medical management because of their chronicity and propensity for recurrence. About 80 percent of ulcerations on the lower extremities are triggered by varicose ulcer. Despite advances in diagnosis and treatment, varicose ulceration remains a major healthcare concern due to its potential for life-threatening complications. The morbidity has a detrimental effect on life expectancy. Venous ulceration results from persistent venous pressure brought on by venous insufficiency. Although the diagnosis is primarily clinical, it must be distinguished from other lower limb ulcer causes. Reduction of edema, enhancement of ulcer healing, and avoidance of recurrence are the objectives of treatment. Although conservative care, mechanical treatment, pharmaceutical, and surgical methods are available for the treatment of venous ulcers, but Hirudotherapy, also known as leech therapy, has grown into a prominent complementary treatment option. It has the potential to promote wound healing and alleviate varicose ulcer symptoms. The objective of this review is to accord a thorough overview of the application of leech therapy to the management of varicose ulcers. The present study emphasizes on the mechanisms of action, efficacy and safety profile of leech therapy in the context of managing varicose ulcers by synthesizing a collection of available literature, clinical investigations, and case reports.