The Use of Medicinal Leeches for the Treatment of Venous Congestion in Replanted or Revascularized Digits

Purpose A noteworthy cause of failure in digital replantation is venous insufficiency. External bloodletting with medicinal leeches is a common treatment for venous insufficiency after distal digital replantations. The objective of this study was to evaluate the salvage rate of digits replanted proximal to the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint that were treated with medicinal leeches for venous congestion. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the charts of patients with complete or incomplete digit amputation admitted between January, 2008 and April, 2014. We included all patients with venous congestion in one or more digits replanted or revascularized at the middle or proximal phalangeal level, who were treated with medicinal leeches. Treatment initiation and duration were based on clinical judgment. Demographic, therapy, and surgical data were collected. Results Of 145 patients with 205 digits that were replanted or revascularized, 25 digits were treated with medicinal leeches for venous congestion. Venous congestion was diagnosed later than 48 hours after operation in 24 of the 25 digits. Of the 25 digits, 11 survived (44.4%) (8 of 22 replanted digits and all 3 revascularized digits). No complications were recorded except for substantial blood loss requiring transfusion in one patient. Conclusions External bloodletting with medical leeches might be less effective with late treatment or with a higher volume of congested tissue, as is characteristic of proximal finger replantation. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic IV.