Hirudotherapy Treatment Cost: Uses & Price Guide

Leech Therapy Cost & Benefits in India

Hirudotherapy, also known as leech therapy, is a medical procedure that utilises Hirudo medicinalis, a type of medical leech. The treatment has been practised for centuries and was first applied to treat wounds during wars. Leech therapy has a well-established and FDA-approved role in modern plastic and reconstructive surgery to salvage tissues with venous congestion. Its use for other conditions like abscesses, glaucoma, and myasthenia gravis is not supported by mainstream medical evidence and is considered experimental or alternative.

Leech therapy is also used in modern medicine for plastic and reconstructive surgery, as well as the treatment of circulatory diseases. The effectiveness of this therapy lies in the leeches’ saliva, which contains a powerful combination of biologically active substances. One of the key components, hirudin, acts as a potent anticoagulant, but the term is often used to refer to the entire group of therapeutic compounds present in the saliva.

To know more about hirudotherapy and its associated costs, read on!

What are the Medical Applications of Leech Therapy?

In a routine session, leeches are applied gently over the affected area of the body. While they are feeding, peptides and enzymes present in them cause dilation of the blood vessels and inhibit clotting. This increases blood levels considerably and keeps damage to the tissue or necrosis at bay. The tiny Y-shaped wounds of the leeches tend to close normally without any noticeable scarring.

Leech therapy has the potential for use in the treatment of many diseases. While the anticoagulants in leech saliva are scientifically interesting, leech therapy is not a recognized treatment for cardiovascular or circulatory disorders like heart disease or thrombosis. Its approved medical use is strictly limited to specific surgical scenarios.

The following is a detailed overview:

Heart Disease

Research has shown that leech therapy can increase blood flow and facilitate anti-inflammatory benefits, providing therapeutically beneficial assistance for patients with heart conditions. Another 2021 case study also demonstrated its potential to aid in the treatment of vascular disease.

Cancer Research

Platelet inhibitors and special enzymes present in leech saliva have sparked interest in their potential use in cancer treatment.

Interestingly enough, studies conducted in 2021 stated that its capacity to retard the growth of tumours by stifling the blood supply needed for the development of cancerous cells is the key. More studies, however, must be conducted to establish such facts and create potent cancer treatments from chemicals in leeches.

Are There Any Risks Associated with Leech Therapy?

While leech therapy is generally safe when done in a medical, controlled environment, it has not always been without the potential for side effects. Perhaps most concerning of all is the risk of bacterial infection, including drug-resistant infection. This threat highlights the importance of receiving therapy only under professional supervision.

Individuals with weakened immune systems due to autoimmune diseases or external factors should refrain from leech therapy, as their bodies may not be able to cope with the procedure. In some instances, the treated part of the body may still ooze blood, or the wound at the bite location may not close completely.

Leeches may also wander to unintended areas, potentially leading to excess blood loss. In rare situations, individuals may develop an allergic reaction to leech saliva. If any complications occur, they typically present immediately, and the patient will need to discontinue the therapy.

What is the Cost of Leech Therapy?

Leech therapy is an inexpensive and easy treatment for all. A session might range from ₹400, although prices also depend on the clinic and practitioner. Sessions can vary depending on the patient's condition and the condition they wish to be treated for. It's usually a natural and rapidly developing means of inducing detoxification, stimulating circulation, and alleviating inflammation.

Leeches continue to offer unmatched efficiency in removing pooled blood and aiding wound drainage, often outperforming other medicinal techniques. Hirudotherapy not only supports tissue nourishment and recovery but also makes wound treatment easier by being less invasive. Despite its ancient origins, ongoing scientific studies continue to explore new applications of this therapy, reinforcing its value in modern medical practice.

Also Read:

→ Height Increase Surgery in India

→ Cost of Cervical Spine Surgery

→ Teeth Braces Cost in Bengaluru

→ Cost of Eyebrow Scar Treatment in India

→ Cancer Treatment Cost in Pune