Pacific Specialist Healthcare is set to introduce a new Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) service in the near future, aiming to significantly reduce the risk of amputation in diabetic foot ulcer patients by as much as 44 percent in Fiji.
Parvish Kumar, director and CEO of PSH, announced that a recent meta-analysis published in Diabetes Care found that patients who underwent HBOT experienced markedly higher rates of wound healing and fewer major amputations compared to those receiving standard treatment. Kumar noted that some clinical trials indicate that HBOT could decrease amputation risk for diabetic patients by 30 to 40 percent, depending on the ulcer’s severity and the therapy’s duration.
Kumar expressed enthusiasm for the launch of HBOT at PSH, emphasizing that it will offer patients a powerful new treatment option for various medical conditions. He highlighted that as a leading healthcare provider in the region, PSH is committed to enhancing its services with cutting-edge technologies, with HBOT representing the latest advancement in patient-centered care.
HBOT operates by delivering pure oxygen in a highly pressurized setting, which aids in healing, recovery, and the treatment of ailments that traditional therapies may not effectively address. Originally utilized for treating decompression sickness in divers, the applications of HBOT have expanded, establishing it as an essential resource in modern medicine.
The upcoming HBOT service will provide numerous key benefits:
– **Decompression Sickness (DCS)**: Divers suffering from DCS will benefit from HBOT to effectively treat this condition by dissolving nitrogen bubbles in their bloodstream.
– **Carbon Monoxide Poisoning**: HBOT is crucial for quickly removing carbon monoxide from the blood, thereby restoring oxygen levels and minimizing organ damage.
– **Advanced Wound Healing**: This service will be particularly valuable for patients with chronic wounds, as HBOT improves oxygenation in damaged tissues, facilitating faster healing.
– **Severe Infections**: Patients fighting life-threatening infections, such as necrotizing fasciitis, can use HBOT to enhance their immune response and increase the effectiveness of antibiotics.
– **Support for Radiation Therapy Patients**: HBOT offers a chance for healing in those experiencing long-term effects from radiation, promoting tissue repair and alleviating side effects.
– **Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) and Stroke Recovery**: While research is ongoing, preliminary findings suggest HBOT may aid recovery in TBI and stroke patients by boosting oxygen supply to injured brain areas.
– **Thermal Burns**: For burn victims, HBOT can help reduce tissue damage and inflammation, leading to quicker recovery and a lower risk of infection.
– **Severe Anaemia**: In severe anaemia cases without immediate access to blood transfusions, HBOT can temporarily elevate oxygen levels in tissues.
– **Sports Injuries**: Athletes may utilize HBOT for rapid recuperation from muscle injuries, as it helps rebuild damaged tissues and reduces inflammation.
As PSH evolves as a leading healthcare provider, the introduction of HBOT showcases its dedication to innovation and high-quality patient care. Kumar stated that this new service will complement existing surgical and rehabilitation offerings, reflecting a modern and comprehensive approach to healthcare.
He encouraged patients, healthcare partners, and community members to stay informed about the upcoming service, reaffirming Pacific Specialist Healthcare’s commitment to exploring the possibilities of modern medicine.