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J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg · Jan 2006
Case ReportsDelayed leech-borne infection with Aeromonas hydrophilia in escharotic flap wound.
- B Ardehali, K Hand, C Nduka, A Holmes, and S Wood.
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Charing Cross Hospital, Fulham Palace Road, Hammersmith, London W6 8AF, UK. ardehali@hotmail.com
- J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2006 Jan 1; 59 (1): 94-5.
AbstractMedicinal leeches (Hirudo medicinalis) are commonly used in plastic surgery for the salvage of congested flaps and replanted parts compromised by venous congestion. Infection associated with leech therapy is a documented complication of leech application, with reported incidences ranging from 2.4 to 20% [De Chalain TM. Exploring the use of the medicinal leech: a clinical risk-benefit analysis. J Reconstr Microsurg 1996;12(3):165-72.1]. We describe a case of delayed leech-borne infection, from the escharotic portion of a latissimus dorsi flap, which developed several days after stopping leech therapy for venous congestion in a reconstructed breast.
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