Pacific Specialist Healthcare (PSH) is set to introduce a new Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) service in the near future. This innovative treatment could potentially lower the risk of amputations in patients with diabetic foot ulcers by as much as 44 percent in Fiji.
The announcement was made by PSH director and CEO Parvish Kumar, who highlighted a meta-analysis published in Diabetes Care that shows patients undergoing HBOT experience significantly improved wound healing rates and reduced major amputation rates when compared to standard care.
“Some clinical trials indicate that HBOT might reduce amputation risks in diabetic patients by 30 to 40 percent, depending on the severity of the ulcer and the length of therapy,” Kumar explained. He expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming HBOT service, noting that it will offer patients a powerful new option for addressing a variety of medical issues.
HBOT works by providing pure oxygen in a pressurized environment, which can accelerate healing, promote recovery, and treat several conditions not typically responsive to standard treatments. Initially developed for treating decompression sickness in divers, the application of HBOT has expanded significantly in modern medicine.
The new service will address several key conditions, including:
– **Decompression Sickness (DCS)**: Patients suffering from DCS will find relief through HBOT, as it helps dissolve nitrogen bubbles in the bloodstream, facilitating a quicker return to normal bodily function.
– **Carbon Monoxide Poisoning**: HBOT plays a crucial role in treating carbon monoxide poisoning by swiftly removing carbon monoxide from the bloodstream, thereby restoring oxygen levels and minimizing organ damage.
– **Advanced Wound Healing**: This service will greatly benefit patients with chronic wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers, by enhancing oxygen supply to damaged tissues, which promotes the healing process.
– **Severe Infections**: HBOT will aid in treating serious infections like necrotizing fasciitis, enhancing the immune response and improving the efficacy of antibiotics through increased oxygen levels in infected areas.
– **Support for Radiation Therapy Patients**: For patients experiencing long-term effects of radiation therapy, HBOT provides a means to promote tissue repair and alleviate side effects.
– **Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) and Stroke Recovery**: Initial research suggests that HBOT may assist in the recovery of patients who have suffered TBIs or strokes by improving oxygen delivery to damaged brain regions.
– **Thermal Burns**: For burn patients, HBOT offers a new method to lessen tissue damage and inflammation, aiding in faster recovery and reducing complication risks.
– **Severe Anaemia**: In instances of severe anaemia when blood transfusions are not an option, HBOT can temporarily boost oxygen levels in tissues, helping to maintain organ function.
– **Sports Injuries**: Athletes can benefit from HBOT for faster recovery from muscle injuries, as it reduces inflammation and supports tissue repair.
As PSH advances as a leading healthcare provider in the region, the introduction of the HBOT service underscores its commitment to innovation and high-quality patient care. Kumar stated, “Our upcoming HBOT service will complement our existing advanced surgical and rehabilitation offerings, creating a well-rounded approach to healing.”
PSH invites patients, healthcare partners, and the community to stay updated on this exciting new service, which aims to expand the possibilities of modern medicine.