Sanguijuelas en la unidad de cuidados intensivos. Cuidados de enfermería

The use of leeches is not yet widespread in Spain. One of the Spanish hospitals pioneering this practice is the University Hospital Joan XXIII de Tarragona, where leeches are employed in the Maxillofacial Service among patients with microvascularized grafts. The present article describes the therapeutic use of leeches (Hirudo medicinalis), as well as the nursing care and complications in patients undergoing this treatment. The aim is to ensure that this new technique is used with maximal safety and quality.