Pacific Specialist Healthcare (PSH) is set to introduce a new Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) service soon, aiming to significantly decrease the amputation rates among diabetic foot ulcer patients in Fiji, potentially by as much as 44 percent.
Parvish Kumar, director and CEO of PSH, announced that a meta-analysis published in Diabetes Care has shown patients undergoing HBOT experience notably higher healing rates and reduced major amputation incidents than those receiving standard treatment. Kumar noted that some clinical trials indicate HBOT can lower amputation risks for diabetic patients by 30 to 40 percent, contingent on the ulcer’s severity and the treatment duration.
Kumar expressed excitement about the upcoming HBOT service, highlighting it as a powerful new treatment option for managing various medical conditions. He emphasized PSH’s commitment to enhancing its offerings with advanced technology, reflecting its dedication to patient-focused care.
HBOT involves delivering pure oxygen in a highly pressurized setting to foster healing, enhance recovery, and treat various conditions that may not respond to traditional therapies. Initially developed for diving-related decompression sickness, the applications of HBOT have expanded, making it an essential tool in contemporary medicine.
The key benefits and uses of the forthcoming HBOT service include:
– **Decompression Sickness (DCS)**: Divers can access HBOT chambers to treat DCS effectively, as the pressurized oxygen helps dissolve nitrogen bubbles in the bloodstream.
– **Carbon Monoxide Poisoning**: HBOT aids in quickly removing carbon monoxide from the body, restoring oxygen levels and reducing organ damage to speed up recovery.
– **Advanced Wound Healing**: This service will significantly benefit patients with chronic wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers, by increasing oxygen supply to damaged areas and promoting new blood vessel formation.
– **Severe Infections**: HBOT is crucial in treating critical infections like necrotizing fasciitis, as it enhances oxygen levels in infected tissues and boosts immune response, improving recovery prospects.
– **Support for Radiation Therapy Patients**: It provides a means for healing damaged tissues in patients facing the long-term impacts of radiation therapy.
– **Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) and Stroke Recovery**: While under investigation, early results indicate HBOT may assist in recovering cognitive and motor functions in patients with TBIs and strokes.
– **Thermal Burns**: It offers an effective method to decrease tissue damage and inflammation in severe burns, promoting faster healing and minimizing infection risks.
– **Severe Anaemia**: In instances where blood transfusions aren’t immediately available, HBOT can temporarily boost oxygen levels in tissues, sustaining organ function until red blood cell levels are restored.
– **Sports Injuries**: Athletes could benefit from HBOT for quicker recovery from muscle injuries, reducing inflammation and facilitating tissue repair.
As PSH progresses as a leading healthcare provider, the launch of HBOT Therapy underscores its commitment to innovation and excellence in patient care. Kumar invites patients, healthcare partners, and community members to stay tuned for future updates regarding the opening of this promising new service, which aims to expand the horizons of modern medical care.