SC - Re: SC: Use of Medicinal Leeches

[Nicholas Sasso]

>>> 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