Pacific Specialist Healthcare (PSH) is set to introduce a new Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) service in the near future. This innovative treatment is projected to decrease the risk of amputation in patients with diabetic foot ulcers by as much as 44 percent in Fiji.
Parvish Kumar, director and CEO of PSH, highlighted findings from a recent meta-analysis published in Diabetes Care. The analysis indicated that patients undergoing HBOT experienced significantly improved healing rates and a reduced incidence of major amputations compared to those who received only standard care. Kumar stated that some clinical trials suggest that the therapy could lower the risk of amputation in diabetic patients by 30 to 40 percent, depending on ulcer severity and the duration of treatment.
Mr. Kumar expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming service, emphasizing that it would offer patients a robust new strategy for managing various medical conditions. He noted that as a leading healthcare provider in the region, PSH is dedicated to integrating advanced technologies into its offerings. The introduction of HBOT is part of this ongoing commitment to patient-centered care.
HBOT entails delivering pure oxygen in a pressurized setting, which can accelerate healing, promote recovery, and address numerous conditions that may not respond adequately to traditional treatments. Initially developed to treat decompression sickness in divers, the application of HBOT has expanded significantly, making it an essential component of modern medical practice.
Key benefits and applications of the forthcoming HBOT service include:
– **Decompression Sickness (DCS)**: Divers experiencing decompression sickness will benefit from HBOT chambers, where pressurized oxygen helps dissolve nitrogen bubbles in the bloodstream, facilitating a quick return to normal health.
– **Carbon Monoxide Poisoning**: HBOT plays a crucial role in treating carbon monoxide poisoning by rapidly eliminating the gas from the bloodstream and restoring oxygen levels, minimizing organ damage.
– **Advanced Wound Healing**: The service will support patients with chronic wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers and radiation-induced injuries, by enhancing oxygen delivery to damaged tissues, promoting new blood vessel formation, and speeding up healing.
– **Severe Infections**: HBOT will be instrumental in treating critical infections like necrotizing fasciitis, increasing oxygen in infected tissues to boost immunity and enhance antibiotic effectiveness.
– **Support for Radiation Therapy Patients**: For those facing long-term effects from radiation, the therapy can aid in repairing damaged tissues and alleviate side effects.
– **Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) and Stroke Recovery**: Although still under research, preliminary findings indicate that HBOT may improve recovery for patients dealing with TBIs and strokes by supplying increased oxygen to affected brain regions.
– **Thermal Burns**: HBOT can significantly reduce tissue damage and inflammation for burn sufferers by delivering oxygen directly to injured areas, thereby encouraging faster healing and lowering infection risks.
– **Severe Anaemia**: In situations where blood transfusions are delayed, HBOT can temporarily elevate tissue oxygen levels, helping to maintain organ function until red blood cell counts can be restored.
– **Sports Injuries**: Athletes looking for quicker recovery from muscle injuries may use HBOT to minimize inflammation and repair damaged tissues, allowing for a faster return to performance.
As PSH advances as a prominent healthcare provider in the area, the launch of HBOT Therapy underscores its commitment to innovation and excellence in patient care. Mr. Kumar invited patients, healthcare partners, and community members to remain tuned for updates as the new service prepares to commence, reinforcing PSH’s dedication to expanding the capabilities of modern medicine.