Pacific Specialist Healthcare is set to introduce a new Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) service, aimed at significantly reducing the risk of amputation for diabetic foot ulcer patients in Fiji by up to 44 percent.
During the announcement, Parvish Kumar, director and CEO of PSH, referenced a meta-analysis from Diabetes Care, which indicated that HBOT recipients experienced higher wound healing rates and fewer major amputations compared to those receiving standard care. “Some clinical trials have suggested that HBOT can lower the amputation risk for diabetic patients by 30–40 percent, depending on the severity of the ulcer and the treatment duration,” Kumar stated.
PSH is eager to launch this advanced HBOT service, providing patients with a robust option for managing various medical conditions. “As a leading provider of healthcare in the region, PSH is committed to evolving its services with cutting-edge technologies, and HBOT is a significant advancement in our patient-centered approach,” he added.
HBOT involves administering pure oxygen in a highly pressurized setting, promoting quicker healing and recovery while effectively treating numerous conditions that may not respond to traditional therapies. Initially utilized for treating decompression sickness in divers, the applications of HBOT have expanded considerably, becoming a crucial asset in contemporary medicine.
Key benefits and applications of the forthcoming HBOT service include:
– Decompression Sickness (DCS): Divers suffering from DCS will be able to access HBOT chambers, as pressurized oxygen helps to dissolve nitrogen bubbles in the bloodstream and quickly restore normal bodily function.
– Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: HBOT serves a vital role in treating carbon monoxide poisoning by rapidly eliminating carbon monoxide from the blood, replenishing oxygen levels, minimizing organ damage, and promoting quicker recovery.
– Advanced Wound Healing: The new service will be instrumental for patients with chronic wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers and radiation-related injuries, by increasing oxygen supply to affected tissues, facilitating new blood vessel formation, and accelerating healing for wounds resistant to other treatments.
– Severe Infections: The therapy will be available for life-threatening infections, including necrotizing fasciitis. By elevating oxygen levels in infected tissues, HBOT enhances the immune response and improves the efficacy of antibiotics, improving patient recovery chances.
– Support for Radiation Therapy Patients: HBOT offers a healing opportunity for patients coping with the long-term effects of radiation therapy, aiding in tissue repair and alleviating side effects from cancer treatments.
– Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) and Stroke Recovery: Early studies suggest HBOT may aid recovery for patients with TBIs and strokes, as increased oxygen supply can help restore cognitive and motor functions.
– Thermal Burns: HBOT presents a promising method for reducing tissue damage and inflammation in severe burn cases, promoting faster healing and lowering the risk of complications like infections.
– Severe Anaemia: For patients with severe anaemia where blood transfusions may not be available, HBOT can temporarily raise oxygen levels in tissues, maintaining organ function until red blood cell counts can be restored.
– Sports Injuries: Athletes will benefit from accelerated recovery from muscle injuries through HBOT, which reduces inflammation and assists in the rebuilding of damaged tissues, allowing them to return to peak performance more quickly.
As PSH solidifies its position as the leading healthcare provider in the region, the launch of HBOT Therapy reflects its dedication to innovation and excellence in patient care. Kumar expressed enthusiasm about the new service, stating that it will enhance existing advanced surgical and rehabilitation options, providing a holistic approach to healing. “We encourage our patients, healthcare partners, and community members to stay tuned for more updates as we prepare to unveil this exciting new service. With HBOT, Pacific Specialist Healthcare is pushing the boundaries of modern medicine.”