SC - Re: SC: Use of Medicinal Leeches

[Elysant at aol.com]

In a message dated 09/07/2000 11:31:31 AM EST, NJSasso at msplaw.com writes:
 
> >>> Sandra Kisner<sjk3 at admin.is.cornell.edu> 9/7/00 10:45:20 AM >>>
> ncluding surgeons.  A couple of years ago I vaguely remember reading about
> cases where leeches were used to reduce swelling and tissue congestion after
> surgery.  I think the particular case was a boy who had had part of his ear 
cut
> off, then sewn back on.  The leeches were transported to the hospital in 
cases
> sort of like the ones used to carry organs for transplant.
> Sandra Kisner
> sjk3 at cornell.edu >>>>>
 
> They are used extensively in some areas for re-attachment surgeries.  They 
are >applied at the end of the attached finger, arm, etc.  To stimulate 
circulation to the >tissues. They have anesthetic syliva and anti-coagulate 
enzymes in same.  They >have made success rates climb pretty high since their 
use.  Not likely to be >mainstream or found prescribed at the local pharmacy 
any time soon, but they are >making a comeback for some applications.
 
> niccolo difrancesco

The Senechal of the local Canton (Fennbricg BBM) works at the Emergency Room 
of a Hartford hospital and told me they regularly use leeches in the ER to 
bring down the congestion in fresh bruises.
 
Elysant