2023-10-10 13:13:39
Leeches are segmented worms that are used in medicine for certain therapeutic procedures. They have been used for centuries in traditional medicine, and have recently gained popularity once more in modern medicine.
It is important to note that the use of leeches in medicine must be carried out by trained professionals and in controlled, sterile environments to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the treatment.
How leech therapy works
When a leech bites, it slowly sucks blood and injects compounds such as hirudin and haze (present in its saliva) that prevent the blood from clotting. Leech saliva also contains histamine-like substances that dilate blood vessels and improve blood flow. Doctors have also used blood thinners such as heparin to prevent clots from forming during reconstructive surgeries.
Depending on the size of the graft and the degree of congestion, suction may continue for three to ten days or longer, until the tissue appears “less swollen, less purple, more normal.” Patients remain in the hospital while medical staff monitor the process, replacing each engorged leech with a new one. Each worm can only be used once, and is drowned in alcohol once it has served its purpose.
A study that analyzed 277 cases of using leeches for medical purposes showed a success rate of 78%. “It is a very attractive option to save the flap,” says Ernest Azzopardi, a specialist in plastic surgery at University College London (United Kingdom). But the lack of robust randomized trials, the gold standard for evaluating the effectiveness of an intervention, has led to less confidence in the use of leech therapy.
Another drawback is that patients can develop skin infections in response to these treatments due to bacteria. Aeromonas They live in the guts of leeches and are found in their saliva.
Complications from the use of leeches
Although the use of leeches has therapeutic benefits, there are also some potential complications associated with their use. Some of the most common complications include:
Infections: There is a risk of infection due to the introduction of bacteria present in the leeches’ saliva at the bite site. This can occur if leeches are not properly handled or sterilized. Allergic reactions: Some people may have allergic reactions to substances present in leeches’ saliva. This may include redness, swelling, itching, or rashes at the bite area. Excessive bleeding: In some cases, leeches can cause prolonged or excessive bleeding at the bite site. This can be problematic, especially in people with bleeding disorders or who are taking blood thinners. Poor healing: In some cases, wounds caused by leeches may have difficulty healing properly, which can prolong recovery time.
It is important to note that these complications are relatively rare and that the use of leeches is done under the supervision of trained health professionals.
It is always advisable to seek appropriate medical attention and follow the guidelines and recommendations provided by healthcare professionals when using leech treatment.
In hospitals, doctors often prescribe patients antibiotics as a preventative measure, but evidence is emerging that some bacteria Aeromonas They develop resistance to commonly used drugs, making the therapy challenging to use.
In what cases are leeches used?
Leeches are used in different cases and countries for their medicinal properties. The use of these in the medical field and the management of certain pathologies with them is not widely taught in universities today.
Although leeches have been used in traditional medicine and in some specific cases in modern medicine, their use is not as common as other conventional therapies. Some cases where leeches are used include:
Medicine and surgery: Leeches are used in certain medical and surgical procedures. For example, they can be used in limb replantation surgeries and reconstructive surgeries, as they help improve blood circulation and promote healing. Treatment of circulatory disorders: Leeches are also used in the treatment of circulatory disorders, such as insufficiency. Chronic venous thrombosis and deep vein thrombosis. Their saliva contains anticoagulant and vasodilatory substances that can improve blood circulation. Pain Relief: In some cases, leeches are used to relieve pain in conditions such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Substances present in leeches’ saliva are believed to have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
As for the countries where leeches are used, their use has been recorded in different parts of the world. Some countries that have had traditions of using leeches in medicine include France, Germany, Russia, India, China and Korea. However, it is important to note that the use of leeches may vary in each country and depend on specific regulations and medical practices.
Robotic leeches
Scientists have been looking for alternatives to leeches for years. The first attempts date back to the 19th century, when the demand for these animals increased in Europe, their supply was scarce and, therefore, they were more expensive. In 1817, Jean-Baptiste Sarlandière, a French anatomist and physiologist, developed a device called bdellometerwhich drained the patients’ blood.
At the University of Utah they have been working since 2013 to develop a mechanical leech that can administer an anticoagulant, but also imitate the suction of these parasites.
The prototype consists of a set of needles that pierce the skin, where a central needle would deliver the anticoagulant heparin to blood-saturated tissue and surrounding needles connected to a pump would suck the blood.
This device, regarding the size of a thumb pad, would allow doctors to control the volume and speed of blood aspirated, something that is not possible when using real leeches. For now, the team is trying to refine the flow of anticoagulant into the tissue where the device attaches.
Other scientists have also developed similar prototypes that show promise. Some have tested its operation on animals. However, there is still no mechanical substitute that is ready for use in humans. For now, these bloodsucking animals continue to occupy a small but important niche in modern medicine.
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