Is surgical treatment of recurrent eye styes more or less effective when followed by bloodletting by medicinal leeches?

INTERVENTION: Patients diagnosed as having recurrent eye styes were selected from the outpatient department and admitted to the inpatient department of Shalakyatantra at the trial site. After obtaining consent, patients were randomly allocated into either the study group or control group using a block randomization method. In study group patients were treated with a surgical intervention, incision and draining, followed by leech therapy. The control group were treated with incision and draining only. Study group‐treatment protocol Pre‐operative procedure 1. Administering of herbal ghee (dose according to age) for one day, the first day. Two times along with porridge. 2. The inducing of mild sweating with leaves over the eye stye was advised for one day, the first day. Bathing in hot water was also advised. 3. The herbal powder, avipathi choornam (dose according to the age) was administered along with hot milk as a part of purgative therapy for one day, the second day Procedure 1. Incision at pus point by surgical blade (No.12) and evacuation. Post‐operative procedure 1. Rub the wound with rock salt and honey 2. Wash the wound with lukewarm distilled water 3. Bandaging: 3.1. Eye bandage with honey and herbal ghee 3.2. 3rd day, re‐bandage after pouring medicated water (herbal blend triphala kashaya) for 6 minutes over the eyelid while eye is closed 3.3. 5th day, bandage removed and advised to discharge on 6th day 4. Blood letting: para‐surgical procedure on 7th day Blood letting by medicinal leeches CONDITION: Eye stye ; Eye Diseases ; Hordeolum and other deep inflammation of eyelid PRIMARY OUTCOME: Stye recurrence was determined by interview at baseline, day 15, day 45, day 75, and day 105 SECONDARY OUTCOME: ; 1. Swelling was measured using the Vernier calliper at baseline, day 15, day 45, day 75 and day 105; 2. Burning sensation was measured using the visual analogue scale at baseline, day 15, day 45, day 75 and day 105; 3. Pain was measured using the visual analogue scale at baseline, day 15, day 45, day 75 and day 105; INCLUSION CRITERIA: 1. Aged 10 ‐ 50 years 2. Recurrence of stye in the same eye within a two‐month period, even after treatment with incision and drainage