Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery

The Korean Society for Microsurgery (대한미세수술학회)
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Leech Therapy in Digital Replantation of Children

소아에서의 수지재접합술후 의료용 거머리의 이용

  • Yoon, In-Dae (Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, College of Medicine, Inje University) ;
  • Kim, Yong-Kyu (Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, College of Medicine, Inje University) ;
  • Kim, Jin-O (Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, College of Medicine, Inje University) ;
  • Park, Jae-Hyun (Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, College of Medicine, Inje University) ;
  • Baek, Rong-Min (Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, College of Medicine, Inje University) ;
  • Choe, Jun (Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, College of Medicine, Inje University)
  • 윤인대 (인제대학교 의과대학 성형외과교실) ;
  • 김용규 (인제대학교 의과대학 성형외과교실) ;
  • 김진오 (인제대학교 의과대학 성형외과교실) ;
  • 박재현 (인제대학교 의과대학 성형외과교실) ;
  • 백롱민 (인제대학교 의과대학 성형외과교실) ;
  • 최준 (인제대학교 의과대학 성형외과교실)
  • Published : 1999.05.15
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Abstract

Digit that were formerly assessed as non replantable may now be replanted with the help of salvage procedure. In case that, venous repair is either marginal or technically impossible and postoperative venous congestion developed following replantation, are treated with the application of medical leeches. From July 1997 to April 1998, the authors performed arterial anastomosis and venous drainage using medical leeches in 3 children(The age of the patients ranged from 13 months to 6 years.) to have a result of aesthetic and functional success with minimizing the complications. Leech therapy has many advantages, to avoid injuring of finger tip, to decrease focal capillary coagulation, to prevent severe bleeding, and to prevent thromboembolism. The authors conclude that the use of medical leeches shows promise as a safe and effective method of providing temporary venous drainage in replanted digits.

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