Abstract

ROLE OF LEECH THERAPY (JALUAKA-AVCHARAN) IN VARICOSE ULCER:-A CASE STUDY

Dr. Sachin Mittal*, Dr. Rajesh Kumar Gupta, Dr. Rajiv Soni, Dr. Ankita Goyal, Dr. Poonam Rathore and Dr. Vivek Tiwari

Abstract

Varicose ulcer is a severe clinical manifestation of chronic venous insufficiency. It is responsible for about 70% of chronic ulcers of the lower limbs. The pathogenesis starts with dysfunction of venous valves causing venous hypertension which stretches the veins resulting in ulcer formation. If not treated properly, the ulcer may get infected leading to cellulites or gangrene and eventually may need amputation of the part of limb. If the conservative management like compression stocking, foot elevation, antibiotics and regular dressing of wound fails, then surgical treatment like skin grafting, sclerotherapy, laser ablation or surgical correction of superficial venous reflux is practiced. However, recur- rence of venous ulcers is common, ranging from 54 to 78% by the fifth year after healing. In Ayurvedic prospective, varicose ulcers can be correlated with, Siragat Vat janya vran‟. Sushruta has advocated Jalauka (Leech) as one of the most effective method of bloodletting, useful even in infected and non healing wounds. Patient with varicose ulcers was advised to take Mahamanjisthadi kwath internally, Teel oil “Dhara sweda” over the lower limb along with weekly application of Leech around the ulcer followed by dressing with “Yashtimadhu Ghrita” which proved very effective and the ulcer healed completely in 30 days.

Keywords: Varicose ulcer, Siragat Vaat, Jalauka, Vrana.