Pacific Specialist Healthcare is set to launch a new Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) service shortly, which could potentially decrease the rate of amputations among diabetic foot ulcer patients in Fiji by up to 44 percent. Parvish Kumar, director and chief executive officer of PSH, confirmed that a meta-analysis published in Diabetes Care found that patients undergoing HBOT exhibited significantly improved wound healing rates and a lower likelihood of major amputations compared to those receiving standard treatment.
Kumar highlighted that some clinical trials indicate that HBOT may reduce amputation risks in diabetic patients by 30 to 40 percent, depending on the severity of the ulcer and the length of therapy. He expressed excitement over the introduction of their advanced HBOT service, seeing it as a powerful new method for treating various medical issues.
As a leading healthcare provider in the region, PSH is committed to expanding its services with the latest technologies, and the introduction of HBOT underscores their dedication to patient-focused care. This therapy entails delivering pure oxygen in a pressurized environment, which can hasten healing processes, improve recovery, and assist in treating multiple conditions that may be unresponsive to traditional treatments.
Initially used for treating decompression sickness in divers, the applications of HBOT have expanded, making it an essential component of contemporary medicine.
Key benefits and uses of the forthcoming HBOT service include:
– **Decompression Sickness (DCS)**: Divers suffering from DCS will benefit from HBOT, which aids in dissolving nitrogen bubbles in the bloodstream, facilitating a swift return to normal bodily function.
– **Carbon Monoxide Poisoning**: HBOT plays a crucial role in treating carbon monoxide poisoning by quickly removing carbon monoxide from the bloodstream and restoring oxygen levels, which reduces organ damage and speeds up recovery.
– **Advanced Wound Healing**: The service will notably assist patients with chronic wounds like diabetic foot ulcers and radiation-related injuries, boosting oxygen delivery to damaged areas and supporting the formation of new blood vessels to enhance healing.
– **Severe Infections**: HBOT will be utilized to address critical infections such as necrotizing fasciitis. By raising oxygen levels in infected tissues, the therapy aids the immune system and boosts the effectiveness of antibiotics for better recovery outcomes.
– **Support for Radiation Therapy Patients**: For individuals managing long-term radiation effects, HBOT helps repair damaged tissues and mitigates side effects from cancer treatments.
– **Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) and Stroke Recovery**: Although still being researched, early studies indicate that HBOT could enhance recovery from TBIs and strokes through increased oxygenation to injured brain regions.
– **Thermal Burns**: For severe burn patients, HBOT presents a viable method to minimize tissue damage and inflammation, promoting faster healing and reducing the risk of post-injury complications.
– **Severe Anaemia**: In instances of severe anaemia, where immediate blood transfusions are unavailable, HBOT can temporarily boost oxygen levels in tissues, supporting organ function until red blood cell counts recover.
– **Sports Injuries**: Athletes may find rapid recovery from muscular injuries through HBOT, which helps diminish inflammation and rebuild damaged tissues, allowing for a quicker return to full performance.
Kumar reiterated that the launch of the HBOT Therapy reflects PSH’s commitment to innovation and excellence in patient care. This new service will enhance their existing surgical and rehabilitation offerings, providing a comprehensive approach to healing. The healthcare provider encourages patients, partners, and the broader community to look for updates as they prepare to introduce this groundbreaking service, emphasizing their commitment to exploring new frontiers in modern medicine.