Nurses' experiences of leech therapy in plastic and reconstructive surgery

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore nurses' experience of using leech therapy. Leech therapy is useful in promoting revascularisation of skin grafts. Nurse disquiet in their role as leech therapists has been noted. This study explored the experience of Irish nurses. A qualitative design with an interview schedule was used to learn about emotional and practical clinical experiences. Interviews were carried out with seven nurses working with leeches in reconstructive surgery in 2013. These interviews were coded and explored for themes. Results revealed that many nurses feel aversion to the use of leeches. This may be associated with the use of a parasitic organism as treatment in conflict with the nurse's role in cross infection. It was also found that management of a nurse's own and patient's emotional responses is required. In conclusion, preparation for the role of leech therapy beyond the purely practical is necessary, and should explore affective responses of the practitioner and patients.

A Comprehensive Review of Medicinal Leeches in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

“…Additionally, institutional logistics must be addressed to ensure proper storage and monitoring of the leeches as well as adequate training and counseling of nursing staff. 20…”

Abjection and the weaponization of bodily excretions in forensic psychiatry settings: A poststructural reflection

“…This socialization to the repression of abjection or feelings of disgust begins in nursing school (Alavi, 2005) and carries on throughout a nurse's career. Across all fields of nursing, exposure to the abject, from fecal incontinence (Butcher, 2020) to the bodies of the deceased (Hadders, 2007) to the frail elderly (Higgs & Gilleard, 2014) to wounds and tumors and terrible odors (Kaiser et al, 2019; Van Der Riet, 2006) to plegm (Lindahl, 2011) to excessive body hair (Montgomery, 2014) to the use of leeches (Reynolds & O'Boyle, 2016) to burns (Rudge, 1996) to patients behaving in a disturbing manner (Hellzen et al, 1999), occurs with professional expectations to maintain a calm presence, to clean and treat the abject body or person regardless of the nurse's own feelings. It is simply viewed as part of the job (Van Dongen, 2001).…”