0
Leeches eat, or rather suck blood. If they are placed on an open wound, they suck on the exposed blood and continue to do so until removed, also nibbling at any dead skin they find. This aids with surgery in that their actions keep the wound 'fresh' and much easier to deal with, verses a scab forming, having to be cut away. This allows the surgeon to make a smoother seam of the skin being pulled tighter or graphed together during reconstructive surgery.
The leech also leaves an enzyme behind that numbs the skin cell receptors so that the area in numbed (which is why you do not know they are on in a river you unless you look). This enzyme also keeps the wound fresh for the doctor. The leeches removal of blood also removes a small amount of poison or bacteria that might have harmed the patient.
Leeches are grown under sterile conditions in order to be placed on patients for medical reasons (almost always while laying in a hospital bed being observed). If you swim in a pond, river, or lake and discover that you have one on you - do not panic, do not rip it off. Get out of the water before U remove it, or germs from the lake water can enter the wound. Once out of the water you can either sprinkle salt on it and wait a minute for it to fall off, or place a lit match or lighter on it and it will fall off. If you have any ointment or spray disinfectant, dry the wound and apply it. Cover it with a bandage and stay out of the lake for 24 hours. The leech's anti-coagulant, hirudin, will keep the wound oozing blood for some time...which is why U stay out of the water or the scent of the blood will attract MANY leeches....
Under no circumstance do you squeeze or pinch a leech while it is attached to you!!! The blood that it sucked off of another dead animal in the lake can be regurgitated and end up in your blood stream. The odds are low, but if it was attached to another human and that human had STD's, IDS, etc., it cold be passed on to you. Many leeches checked in Africa have HIV because of so many people bathing in rivers and streams.
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
How is the tube enterostomy of benefit in surgery in which a gastroectomy occurs?
The procedure makes healing easier, and seeks to retain the patient's nutritional status and quality of life after reconstructive surgery
What is done before a myomectomy?
Surgeons often recommend hormone treatment with a drug called leuprolide (Lupron) two to six months before surgery in order to shrink the fibroids. This makes the fibroids easier to remove.
How do leeches acquire blood?
Leeches have specialized jaws that they use to bite into a host's skin. They secrete anesthetic and anticoagulant substances into the wound, making the blood flow easier, while their saliva helps to prevent the host's blood from clotting, allowing the leech to feed on a blood meal.
How long is the organ transplant surgery?
The average time for an organ transplant operation is around 8 hours, but this timing can vary quite significantly depending upon how "easy" the surgery is. For example, first transplants are easier to do than retransplants, single transplants are easier than multiple-organ transplants. The number of transplant surgeons available and how experienced they are will also have a bearing on surgery times. Most transplants will fall within the range of 6 - 14 hours, although it is feasible that a large multiple-organ transplant could take longer.
How did patricia bath’s invention help people?
To help make the surgery easier when performing the surgery.
How did Patricia Bath's invention help people?
To help make the surgery easier when performing the surgery.
What type of supplies do surgeons have to purchase?
Well, working in surgery in a decent sized hospital, this is my best guess. They are provided scrubs(uniforms) to wear by the hospital. Some surgeons purchase loupes(special glasses with optical zooming power). http://www.designsforvision.com/ Especially those involved in neurosurgery(brain and spinal cord) and vascular surgery(blood vessels). While hospitals are equipped to provide surgeons with the instruments they need, sometimes surgeons will buy their own specialty instruments not commonly carried in the hospitals inventory such as needle holders(for putting in stitches) that have scissor blades built in to them so suturing and cutting is easier with one set of hands. Some surgeons will purchase their own lead vests(vests with a body core and shield over the thyroid to deflect x-rays used in surgery). Many hospitals provide an array of these vests to wear however many physicians prefer to use their own. Surgeons will have their own office and may even own and finance it themselves and will therefore pay for whatever overhead costs they incur with their practice. Hope that helps!
Why do leeches feed on thin skinned frogs and not mammals?
Leeches prefer feeding on thin-skinned animals like frogs because their skin is easier to penetrate with their mouthparts. Mammals typically have thicker skin, making it more difficult for leeches to latch on and feed. Additionally, frogs' moist environments may make them more attractive to leeches.
Where can I learn more about weight loss after bariatric surgery?
Surgery should always be your last resort. Diet is far easier than going through a major surgery. The Bariatric Surgery Site offers a comprehensive guide to the surgery and the recovery period.
What are the advantages of hip resurfacing surgery instead of hip replacement surgery?
Advantages of hip resurfacing surgery instead of hip replacement surgery include bone preservation, reduced chance of dislocation and easier revision. You can learn more about hip resurfacing techniques from the Wikipedia website.
What are the benefits of having bariatric surgery done to myself?
If you are at an appropriate weight for the surgery, then bariatric surgery can be a catalyst for greater weight-loss choices. The mere fact that your body is carrying less weight will make it easier to begin exercise.
What are some precautions after gastric bypass surgery?
Bariatric surgery is not a quick fix. It is an ongoing journey toward weight loss through lifestyle changes. After surgery, the difference in your body makes it physically easier to adjust your eating and lifestyle habits.
