Pacific Specialist Healthcare is set to introduce a Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) service soon, which has the potential to significantly reduce the rate of amputations in diabetic foot ulcer patients in Fiji by as much as 44 percent. Parvish Kumar, the director and CEO of PSH, noted that a meta-analysis published in Diabetes Care indicates that patients undergoing HBOT experience markedly higher rates of wound healing and fewer major amputations compared to those receiving only standard care.
Kumar explained that clinical trials have shown that HBOT can decrease the amputation risk for diabetic patients by 30 to 40 percent, depending on the severity of the ulcers and treatment duration. He expressed enthusiasm for the launch of this advanced HBOT service, emphasizing its role as a powerful new option for managing various medical conditions.
As a leading healthcare provider in the region, PSH is committed to advancing its services with state-of-the-art technologies, and HBOT marks a significant step in delivering patient-centered care. This therapy involves providing pure oxygen in a pressurized environment, which can accelerate healing and improve recovery for conditions that may not adequately respond to traditional treatments. Originally utilized for treating decompression sickness in divers, the applications of HBOT have widened over time, making it an essential aspect of modern medicine.
The upcoming HBOT Therapy service boasts several key benefits and applications:
– **Decompression Sickness (DCS)**: Divers suffering from DCS will have access to HBOT chambers, which effectively dissolve nitrogen bubbles in the bloodstream and help restore the body to normal.
– **Carbon Monoxide Poisoning**: HBOT is critical in treating carbon monoxide poisoning by quickly removing the toxin from the bloodstream, repairing oxygen levels, and minimizing organ damage for faster recovery.
– **Advanced Wound Healing**: The service will greatly benefit patients with chronic wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers and radiation injuries, by increasing oxygen supply to damaged tissues and promoting new blood vessel formation.
– **Severe Infections**: HBOT will be effective against dangerous infections, including necrotizing fasciitis, by enhancing oxygen levels in infected tissues to boost the immune response and improve antibiotic efficacy.
– **Support for Radiation Therapy Patients**: This therapy offers healing opportunities for patients suffering long-term effects from radiation treatments, aiding in the repair of damaged tissues.
– **Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) and Stroke Recovery**: While still under study, early results suggest that HBOT might aid recovery for TBI and stroke patients by increasing oxygen supply to harmed brain regions, potentially restoring cognitive and motor functions.
– **Thermal Burns**: For severe burn patients, HBOT can mitigate tissue damage and inflammation, promoting quicker healing and reducing infection risks.
– **Severe Anaemia**: In situations where blood transfusions are not available, HBOT can temporarily elevate tissue oxygen levels until red blood cell levels recover.
– **Sports Injuries**: Athletes can utilize HBOT for faster recovery from muscle injuries, aiding tissue repair and reducing inflammation, allowing for a quicker return to peak performance.
As PSH evolves into a premier healthcare provider, the introduction of HBOT Therapy underscores its commitment to innovation and excellence in patient care. The upcoming HBOT service will enhance existing surgical and rehabilitation offerings, providing a comprehensive modern healing approach. PSH encourages all patients, healthcare partners, and community members to stay updated as they prepare to launch this exciting new service, further expanding the possibilities within modern medicine.