LEECHES IN MEDICINE

Leeches have been used in medicine for blood-letting since ancient tim es. Leeching has varied in popularity over the years. It reached its z enith during the early decades of the 19th century with a gradual decl ine by the end of the century. Since the 1980s leeches have been intro duced to remove blood where its accumulation may interfere with healin g, particularly after plastic tissue-flap surgery. The history and cur rent use of medicinal leeches in Australia is examined.