Journal of Surgery

Atherosclerotic Ulcer Treated with Hirudo-Therapy and Herbo-Medicinal Ointment: Marham-E-Raal

Abstract

Waseem Ahmad*, Saiyad Shah Alam, Zareena Aquil and Md Rizwanullah

Introduction: Atherosclerosis is mainly a worsening problem related to advancing age with a chronic inflammatory involvement. It leads to the blockage of normal blood flow pathway and hence ischemia of the distal part of limb. The saliva of leech contains number of anti-thrombotic chemicals such as hirudin, bfrudin, haemadin and granulin-like. These chemicals inhibit thrombin fibrin binding and prevent formation of atheroma or plaque. Marham-e-raal is well known formulation for non-healing ulcers irrespective of their origin. It contains potent healing agents that are greatly beneficial for achieving the healing of ulcers.

Methodology: One patient of atherosclerotic gangrene of lower limbs was taken into study after written informed consent. Hirudo medicinalis applied at the course of arteries of occlusion twice weekly and Marham-e-raal was used for local application after proper washing with Alusol (alum powder solution). The treatment continued for two months.

Discussion: The patients especially belong to older age group and present with chronic non healing ulcer at distal limbs with severe burning pain. These ulcers are resilient to healing by modern treatment.

Conclusion: The optimal treatment of atherosclerotic ischemic ulcer is application of medicinal leeches over the course of arteries showing occlusion with local application of Marham-e-raal.