Pacific Specialist Healthcare is set to introduce a new Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) service in Fiji, which could potentially decrease the rate of amputations in patients with diabetic foot ulcers by as much as 44 percent. Parvish Kumar, the director and CEO of PSH, referenced a meta-analysis published in Diabetes Care that found patients undergoing HBOT experienced significantly improved wound healing and a reduction in major amputations compared to those receiving standard care.
Mr. Kumar noted that some clinical trials indicate HBOT can lower the risk of amputation in diabetic patients by 30 to 40 percent, depending on the severity of the ulcer and the length of therapy. He expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming launch of the advanced HBOT service, emphasizing that it will give patients a new powerful option for managing various medical conditions.
HBOT administers pure oxygen in a high-pressure environment, which accelerates healing, supports recovery, and addresses conditions that may not respond well to traditional treatments. Initially developed for treating decompression sickness in divers, the application of HBOT has expanded over time, establishing it as an essential tool in contemporary medicine.
Key benefits and applications of the new HBOT service include:
– **Decompression Sickness (DCS)**: Divers suffering from DCS will benefit from HBOT treatment, which eliminates nitrogen bubbles in the bloodstream.
– **Carbon Monoxide Poisoning**: The therapy quickly removes carbon monoxide from the body, restoring oxygen levels and minimizing organ damage.
– **Advanced Wound Healing**: This service will support patients with chronic wounds like diabetic foot ulcers, enhancing blood flow and accelerating healing.
– **Severe Infections**: HBOT will be available for serious infections like necrotizing fasciitis, boosting oxygen levels in infected tissues and improving immune response.
– **Support for Radiation Therapy Patients**: HBOT promotes healing of tissues damaged by radiation therapy, helping to manage side effects.
– **Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) and Stroke Recovery**: Preliminary studies indicate that HBOT may assist recovery by increasing oxygen supply to brain areas affected by injury.
– **Thermal Burns**: By supplying oxygen directly to burnt tissue, HBOT can reduce inflammation and speed up healing.
– **Severe Anaemia**: In circumstances where blood transfusions aren’t immediately feasible, HBOT provides a temporary increase in tissue oxygen levels.
– **Sports Injuries**: Athletes can utilize HBOT to expedite recovery from muscle injuries by decreasing inflammation and rebuilding tissue.
As Pacific Specialist Healthcare advances as a leading healthcare provider in the region, the launch of HBOT Therapy highlights its commitment to innovation and excellence in patient care. Mr. Kumar added that the upcoming HBOT service will work in conjunction with existing advanced surgical and rehabilitation services, fostering a comprehensive approach to healing. He encouraged patients and the community to stay informed about the new service, which aims to broaden the horizons of modern medicine.