Pacific Specialist Healthcare is set to unveil a Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) service shortly, which may lower the risk of amputation in diabetic foot ulcer patients by as much as 44 percent in Fiji. This announcement was made by PSH’s director and CEO, Parvish Kumar, who referred to a meta-analysis published in Diabetes Care that indicated higher wound healing rates and reduced major amputations for patients receiving HBOT compared to those who only received standard care.
Clinical trials have shown that HBOT could cut the amputation risk for diabetic patients by 30 to 40 percent, with effectiveness varying based on ulcer severity and treatment duration. Kumar expressed enthusiasm about the introduction of the state-of-the-art HBOT service, presenting it as a significant advancement in patient care and a means to address various medical conditions.
HBOT administers pure oxygen in a highly pressurized environment, promoting faster healing and recovery for conditions that may resist conventional treatments. Initially designed for treating decompression sickness in divers, its applications have widened considerably, establishing it as a crucial element in modern medicine.
Overview of key benefits and applications for the new HBOT service includes:
– **Decompression Sickness (DCS)**: Effective treatment for divers experiencing this condition, with pressurized oxygen rapidly normalizing their bloodstream.
– **Carbon Monoxide Poisoning**: HBOT can help eliminate carbon monoxide quickly, restoring oxygen levels in the body and minimizing organ damage.
– **Advanced Wound Healing**: This service will aid patients with chronic wounds like diabetic foot ulcers by enhancing oxygen supply to damaged tissues, encouraging blood vessel formation and accelerating healing.
– **Severe Infections**: It will be utilized for treating critical infections, such as necrotizing fasciitis. Increased oxygen levels in infected tissues will bolster the immune response and antibiotic efficacy.
– **Support for Radiation Therapy Patients**: For those suffering from radiation therapy’s long-term effects, HBOT promotes tissue repair, alleviating associated side effects.
– **Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) and Stroke Recovery**: Initial evidence suggests HBOT may enhance recovery for these patients by supplying more oxygen to damaged brain areas.
– **Thermal Burns**: Patients with severe burns can benefit from HBOT, which reduces tissue damage and inflammation, promoting faster recovery and decreasing infection risk.
– **Severe Anaemia**: In urgent situations, HBOT can temporarily boost oxygen levels in tissues until red blood cell counts are restored.
– **Sports Injuries**: Athletes recovering from muscle injuries may seek HBOT for quicker healing, as it helps reduce inflammation and repair damaged tissues.
As Pacific Specialist Healthcare continues to develop as a leading healthcare provider, the launch of the HBOT service reflects its dedication to innovation and high-quality patient care. Kumar mentioned that this service will complement existing advanced surgical and rehabilitation offerings, presenting a comprehensive approach to healing. Patients, healthcare partners, and community members are encouraged to stay updated as this new service is about to launch, expanding the possibilities of modern medicine.