Pacific Specialist Healthcare is set to introduce a new Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) service in Fiji, aiming to significantly reduce the risk of amputation in patients with diabetic foot ulcers. According to PSH director and CEO Parvish Kumar, a recent meta-analysis in Diabetes Care has shown that patients undergoing HBOT experience higher rates of wound healing and lower rates of major amputations compared to those receiving standard treatment. Mr. Kumar stated that clinical trials indicate the therapy may decrease amputation risk by 30 to 40 percent, depending on the ulcer severity and treatment duration.
Excited about this new service, PSH is committed to providing patients with innovative options for managing various medical conditions. HBOT works by delivering pure oxygen in a pressurized environment, which can enhance healing and treat conditions that do not respond well to conventional therapies. Initially used for treating decompression sickness in divers, the applications of HBOT have greatly expanded.
The new HBOT service will cater to several critical needs:
1. **Decompression Sickness (DCS)**: Divers can receive effective treatment for DCS through HBOT, as the pressurized oxygen aids in dissolving nitrogen bubbles in the bloodstream.
2. **Carbon Monoxide Poisoning**: HBOT plays a crucial role in removing carbon monoxide from the bloodstream, thereby restoring oxygen levels and minimizing organ damage.
3. **Advanced Wound Healing**: The service will be beneficial for chronic wounds such as diabetic ulcers, enhancing oxygen supply to promote tissue healing and new blood vessel formation.
4. **Severe Infections**: HBOT is expected to help treat life-threatening infections, such as necrotizing fasciitis, by increasing oxygen in infected areas, bolstering the immune response, and improving antibiotic efficacy.
5. **Support for Radiation Therapy Patients**: HBOT aids in the repair of tissues damaged by radiation, alleviating some side effects of treatment.
6. **Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) and Stroke Recovery**: Although still under research, early findings suggest that HBOT can aid recovery in TBI and stroke patients by enhancing oxygen delivery to injured brain areas.
7. **Thermal Burns**: HBOT may significantly reduce tissue damage and inflammation in burn patients, expediting the healing process.
8. **Severe Anaemia**: For patients unable to receive immediate blood transfusions, HBOT can temporarily boost oxygen levels in tissues, sustaining organ function.
9. **Sports Injuries**: Athletes can benefit from quicker recovery from muscle injuries through the anti-inflammatory effects of HBOT, allowing them to return to their sports more quickly.
As PSH continues to evolve as a leading healthcare provider in the region, Mr. Kumar emphasizes that the introduction of the HBOT service underscores their commitment to innovation and excellence in patient care. The new therapy will complement existing surgical and rehabilitation services, offering a comprehensive approach to healing. PSH encourages patients and community members to stay updated as they prepare to launch this exciting service, showcasing the potential of modern medicine.