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Leech Therapy in Digital Replantation
Author(s) -
Golden Mary Ann,
Quinn Jeanne J.,
Partington Marshall T.
Publication year - 1995
Publication title -
aorn journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.222
H-Index - 43
eISSN - 1878-0369
pISSN - 0001-2092
DOI - 10.1016/s0001-2092(06)63577-1
Subject(s) - replantation , medicine , leech , venous congestion , surgery , perioperative , anastomosis , general surgery , computer science , world wide web
This article presents a protocol for the perioperative care of patients undergoing digital replantation, which is the most common microsurgical procedure performed today. Venous congestion, a common complication of digital replantation, often has been treated through surgical exploration and creation of arteriovenous anastomosis. Leech therapy, however, is experiencing a resurgence among surgeons as an alternative method for treating venous congestion. This article discusses the anatomical, physiological, and clinical indications and methods of leech therapy in digital replantation. AORN J 62 (Sept 1995) 364–375.