Leeching on Post-Haemorrhoidectomy Bulged Perianal Masses

Abstract

Haemorrhoids (Bawaseer) are dilatations of the anal and perianal venous plexuses affecting about 5% of general population and they are rarely encountered in person aged less than 30 years and occurs in both sexes between 45-65years. The word haemorrhoid is coined from Greek word haima = blood, and rhoos = flowing; and thus, Hippocrates described it as “the flow of blood from the vein of anus”. Various operative options are there to get rid of haemorrhoid including, cryosurgery, direct current electrotherapy, bipolar diathermy, haemorrhoidectomy etc and as well some non-operative therapeutic options are also there including, life style changes, dietary changes, sclerotherapy, infrared coagulation and rubber band ligation but all these have their own complications. None of them has been proven hundred percent effective. Unani physician had described it as varicosity of mucous membrane of anal canal or warty swelling at the end of rectal vein mainly due to accumulation of saudawi or ghaleezkhoon (morbid humour). Unani physician advised tanqiya of this morbid material. Thus, leech therapy (Irsal-e-alaq) is used to remove this morbid material, probably due to presence of biochemical constituents in the saliva which are poured at the site of bite by leech. These substances have analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anaesthetic property and thus helps in reducing the size of post-haemorrhoidectomy bulged perianal masses. A follow up patient of haemorrhoidectomy attended OPD with postoperative bulge at anal verge. Leech therapy given to patient and then patient discharged. Patient got great relief in his symptoms and the size of bulge greatly reduced.

Keywords: Haemorrhoids (Bawaseer), haemorrhoidectomy, leech therapy (Irsal-e-alaq)

Cite this Article

Mohammad Shakeel Ansari, Rabia Nizam. Leeching on Post-Haemorrhoidectomy Bulged Perianal Masses. Research & Reviews: Journal of Surgery. 2018; 7(1): 10–13p.