Effect of leech therapy on infusion phlebitis

Abstract:

Context: Phlebitis, or vein inflammation, is a prevalent in peripheral intravenous cannula consequence that can have mechanical, chemical or bacterial causes. Phlebitis results in a series of unfavorable consequences, including severe discomfort, pain, failure of the PIVC, stoppage of the recommended therapy and need for the insertion of a new PIVC, which is linked with higher equipment costs and staff time and patient discomfort. Conventional treatment generally includes nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, compression therapy, and anticoagulants, but alternative therapies like Leech Therapy have been underexplored. In this case study, a 40 years old female patient, post-operative case of fibroadenosis. She was also hepatitis-B positive, have complains of severe pain and swelling at site of cannula insertion. She also had difficulty in movement of hand and had very less movement with severe pain. She was successfully treated by Leech therapy. Due to the mechanical and biochemical properties of the leech, Jalaukavcharan (leech therapy) is one of the most effective and natural ways of management. Medicinal leech therapy has a promising potential in pain management and have anti-inflammatory action as saliva of these small bio- creature have thousands of bio-active compounds that are injected in host during blood sucking.

Objective: The aim is to reduce the swelling and pain at IV cannula site by using Leech therapy.

Material and methods: Leech therapy done at the site of swelling (Phlebitis).

Result: After leech therapy, result was asses on VIP scale and there was relief in pain and swelling at cannula insertion site also redness decreases and patient have improved painless hand movements with in 24 hours.

Dagar M, Asutkar S, Gautam A. Mystical Effect of Leech Therapy an Alternative Ayurvedic Intervention in Thrombophlebitis: A Case Report. Altern Ther Health Med. 2025 Mar 26:AT11469. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40131137.