Hirudotherapy (Medical Leech Therapy): Current Perspectives and Nursing Care

Abstract

Hirudotherapy (Medicinal Leech Therapy) is known as one of the traditional treatment methods. The Food and Drug Administration's classification of medicinal leeches as "medical devices" in 2004 strengthened their place in modern healthcare systems and increased their prevalence. Hirudotherapy possesses anticoagulant, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory effects. Studies in the literature show that it provides symptomatic improvement in conditions such as osteoarthritis, chronic venous insufficiency, and migraine. From a nursing perspective, hirudotherapy involves significant responsibilities in terms of patient safety and management of care processes. Nurses must assess the patient's contraindications before the procedure, ensure aseptic conditions during the procedure, and closely monitor bleeding control and signs of infection afterward. While the clinical use of leech therapy is becoming increasingly common, the limited number of studies in the literature is noteworthy. This indicates the need for more scientific research on the effectiveness and safety of the application. A multidisciplinary approach and increased scientific evidence are important in the treatment. This review study was conducted to explain hirudotherapy in light of scientific and current data, and especially to draw attention to the role, responsibilities, and care approaches of nurses in this practice.