Leeches in Medicine

Leeches have been used in medicine for blood‐letting since ancient times. Leeching has varied in popularity over the years. It reached its zenith during the early decades of the 19th century with a gradual decline by the end of the century. Since the 1980s leeches have been introduced to remove blood where its accumulation may interfere with healing, particularly after plastic tissue‐flap surgery. The history and current use of medicinal leeches in Australia is examined.