Tunneling of a leech into a free flap breast reconstruction

J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2011 Dec;64(12):1687-8. doi: 10.1016/j.bjps.2011.05.014. Epub 2011 Jun 12.

Abstract

Leeches are well known to migrate over the surface of the treated tissues. At times, they can be located in remote locations once they become engorged and detach. We report the first case of a leech tunneling through a dermal bite wound on a breast free flap.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / surgery*
  • Dilatation, Pathologic
  • Female
  • Hirudo medicinalis
  • Humans
  • Hyperemia / therapy*
  • Leeching* / adverse effects
  • Mammaplasty
  • Surgical Flaps* / pathology