BET 2: leeches (hirudotherapy) or steroids for traumatic obstructive tongue swelling?

A short-cut review was carried out to establish whether leeches or steroids are more effective at reducing the size of a tongue haematoma. No studies were directly relevant to the question. Several reviews and case reports were found to suggest that leeches might be effective. The clinical bottom line is that leeches should be considered in the management of obstructive traumatic tongue swelling.