Pacific Specialist Healthcare (PSH) is set to introduce a new Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) service shortly. This innovative treatment aims to significantly decrease the rate of amputations among diabetic foot ulcer patients in Fiji, with potential reductions of up to 44 percent.
PSH’s director and CEO, Parvish Kumar, highlighted the benefits of HBOT, referencing a meta-analysis in Diabetes Care that found patients undergoing this therapy experienced higher rates of wound healing and fewer major amputations when compared to those receiving standard care. Kumar noted that clinical trials indicate a reduction in amputation risk for diabetic patients by 30 to 40 percent, depending on the severity of the ulcer and length of treatment.
Kumar expressed excitement about the launch of the advanced HBOT service, recognizing it as a significant enhancement to PSH’s patient care options. “As a leading healthcare provider in the region, PSH is committed to expanding its services with state-of-the-art technologies, with HBOT representing a major step forward in our patient-centric approach,” he stated.
HBOT involves administering pure oxygen in a highly pressurized environment, promoting faster healing and recovery from various medical conditions that typically do not respond well to traditional treatments. Initially developed for treating decompression sickness in divers, the applications of HBOT have grown over time, establishing it as a key element of modern medicine.
Key benefits and applications of the upcoming HBOT Therapy service include:
– Decompression Sickness: Divers suffering from “the bends” will benefit from HBOT, which helps dissolve nitrogen bubbles in the bloodstream.
– Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: HBOT effectively removes carbon monoxide from the bloodstream, restoring oxygen levels and reducing organ damage.
– Advanced Wound Healing: The new service will aid patients with chronic wounds, such as diabetic ulcers and radiation-induced injuries, by increasing oxygen supply to damaged tissues, thereby fostering new blood vessel formation and accelerating healing.
– Severe Infections: HBOT will treat dangerous infections like necrotizing fasciitis by boosting oxygen levels in infected areas, enhancing immune responses, and increasing the efficacy of antibiotics.
– Support for Radiation Therapy Patients: Patients experiencing long-term effects from radiation will find HBOT beneficial for tissue repair and alleviating side effects.
– Traumatic Brain Injuries and Stroke Recovery: Preliminary studies suggest HBOT may enhance rehabilitation for brain injuries and strokes by increasing oxygen to affected areas.
– Thermal Burns: HBOT can significantly reduce tissue damage and inflammation in burn patients, aiding in faster healing and lowering infection risks.
– Severe Anaemia: For patients with critical anemia awaiting transfusions, HBOT temporarily raises oxygen levels in tissues to sustain organ function.
– Sports Injuries: Athletes will have access to HBOT for quicker recovery from muscle injuries, as it reduces inflammation and aids tissue repair.
As PSH evolves into the foremost healthcare provider in the region, the introduction of HBOT Therapy exemplifies its dedication to innovation and excellence in patient care. Kumar reassured that this service will complement existing advanced surgical and rehabilitation offerings, providing a comprehensive and modern healing approach.
Patients, healthcare partners, and community members are encouraged to stay tuned for updates regarding the launch of this promising new service, which aims to expand the possibilities of modern medicine at Pacific Specialist Healthcare.