Pacific Specialist Healthcare is set to introduce a new Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) service, which has the potential to lower amputation rates in diabetic foot ulcer patients by as much as 44 percent in Fiji. Parvish Kumar, director and CEO of PSH, highlighted that a recent meta-analysis in Diabetes Care found that patients undergoing HBOT experienced significantly improved wound healing and a reduction in major amputations compared to those receiving only standard care.
“Clinical trials indicate that HBOT may decrease the risk of amputation for diabetic patients by 30 to 40 percent, contingent on the severity of the ulcer and the length of treatment,” Mr. Kumar stated. He expressed enthusiasm about launching the state-of-the-art HBOT service, which aims to provide an innovative option for a variety of medical conditions.
HBOT is characterized by the administration of pure oxygen in a controlled, high-pressure setting, designed to expedite healing and recovery for several conditions that might not respond to traditional treatments. Initially developed for divers with decompression sickness, the applications of HBOT have significantly expanded, making it an essential element of contemporary medical practice.
The benefits of the forthcoming HBOT service include:
1. **Decompression Sickness (DCS):** The therapy will assist divers affected by DCS, effectively treating the condition by dissolving nitrogen bubbles in the bloodstream.
2. **Carbon Monoxide Poisoning:** HBOT is vital for treating carbon monoxide poisoning as it removes harmful gas from the bloodstream, boosts oxygen levels, and minimizes organ damage.
3. **Advanced Wound Healing:** The service will benefit patients with chronic wounds, enhancing oxygen supply to damaged tissues, encouraging new blood vessel formation, and accelerating healing for treatment-resistant wounds.
4. **Severe Infections:** HBOT will be utilized in managing critical infections like necrotizing fasciitis by boosting oxygen in infected areas, enhancing immune responses and antibiotic efficacy.
5. **Support for Radiation Therapy Patients:** For individuals suffering from the lingering effects of radiation therapy, HBOT promotes tissue repair and mitigates side effects.
6. **Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) and Stroke Recovery:** Preliminary studies suggest that HBOT may facilitate recovery in TBI and stroke patients by improving oxygen delivery to affected brain areas.
7. **Thermal Burns:** The therapy presents a beneficial approach to managing severe burns, aiding in healing and reducing the likelihood of infection.
8. **Severe Anaemia:** In critical cases of anaemia where blood transfusions are unavailable, HBOT can temporarily elevate tissue oxygen levels, supporting organ function until red blood cell counts can be restored.
9. **Sports Injuries:** Athletes can benefit from HBOT for quicker recovery from muscle injuries, as it alleviates inflammation and supports tissue repair.
Mr. Kumar remarked that the launch of HBOT Therapy underscores PSH’s dedication to innovation and high-quality patient care, with the service anticipated to enhance existing surgical and rehabilitation offerings. He encouraged patients and community members to stay updated as PSH prepares to introduce this pioneering service, reinforcing its commitment to advancing modern medicine.