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Hirudotherapy (Leech Therapy)

Hirudotherapy is the medical use of Hirudo medicinalis leeches and is regulated under Turkey's complementary-medicine framework.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Geleneksel ve Tamamlayıcı Tıp department. Book Appointment →

What is Hirudotherapy (Leech Therapy)?

Hirudotherapy is the application of medical-grade Hirudo medicinalis leeches to the skin so that their bioactive secretions can improve local circulation. Leech saliva contains anticoagulants such as hirudin.

In modern medicine the only well-evidenced indications are narrow — for example, restoring flap circulation after plastic surgery. The wide-spectrum claims often made for it have limited scientific support.

In Turkey, hirudotherapy may only be performed by authorised physicians under the complementary-medicine regulation, using medical-grade leeches and sterile conditions. Wild leeches carry serious risks of infection and disease transmission.

Symptoms

Venous congestion after plastic surgery
Restoring circulation after finger replantation
Microvascular surgical support
Chronic venous insufficiency (limited evidence)
Local inflammation (limited evidence)
Myofascial pain (low-grade evidence)

Risk Factors

Bleeding disorders or anticoagulant use
Immunosuppression
Anaemia
Pregnancy (not recommended)
Allergy to leeches
Risk of infection from non-sterile leeches

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Attend an authorised physician at an approved centre
  • Use of street leeches carries serious infection risk; avoid
  • Seek urgent care if bleeding is prolonged or fever develops
  • Anaemic patients should have a baseline blood count beforehand

Treatment Methods

01
Use of medical-grade leeches only
02
Sterile technique and single-use principle
03
Appropriate site preparation and skin cleansing
04
Application duration 30-60 minutes
05
Bleeding management after the leech detaches
06
Follow-up for infection and other complications

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Geleneksel ve Tamamlayıcı Tıp department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Geleneksel ve Tamamlayıcı Tıp Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.