Pacific Specialist Healthcare is set to launch a new Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) service in Fiji, which has the potential to significantly reduce the risk of amputations in patients suffering from diabetic foot ulcers by as much as 44 percent. Parvish Kumar, director and CEO of PSH, highlighted findings from a meta-analysis published in Diabetes Care, which suggested that patients undergoing HBOT showed notably improved wound healing rates and a lower incidence of major amputations compared to those receiving standard care alone.
Kumar noted that clinical trials indicated HBOT could lower the risk of amputation in diabetic individuals by 30 to 40 percent, depending on factors such as the severity of the ulcer and the duration of therapy. He expressed excitement about the service’s launch, emphasizing that it offers patients a powerful new option for managing various medical conditions.
HBOT is a treatment that involves administering pure oxygen in a high-pressure environment, which can enhance healing, accelerate recovery, and address many conditions that may be resistant to conventional treatments. Initially used for treating decompression sickness in divers, the applications of HBOT have expanded significantly in modern medicine.
Key benefits and applications of the upcoming HBOT service include:
– **Decompression Sickness (DCS)**: The therapy will treat divers experiencing DCS, effectively dissolving nitrogen bubbles in the bloodstream through pressurized oxygen.
– **Carbon Monoxide Poisoning**: HBOT is crucial in cases of carbon monoxide poisoning, helping to eliminate carbon monoxide from the bloodstream and restore oxygen levels, which mitigates organ damage and promotes quicker recovery.
– **Advanced Wound Healing**: The therapy will be instrumental for patients with chronic wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers and radiation injuries, by enhancing oxygen delivery to damaged tissues and fostering new blood vessel formation for improved healing.
– **Severe Infections**: HBOT will be used for dangerous infections, including necrotizing fasciitis, by increasing oxygen levels in infected areas, thereby boosting the immune response and enhancing antibiotic effectiveness.
– **Support for Radiation Therapy Patients**: For those experiencing the long-term impacts of radiation therapy, HBOT promotes the repair of damaged tissues and alleviates side effects from cancer treatments.
– **Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) and Stroke Recovery**: While under investigation, preliminary research suggests HBOT may aid recovery for TBI and stroke patients by enhancing oxygen supply to damaged areas of the brain.
– **Thermal Burns**: The therapy shows promise in treating severe burns, reducing tissue damage and inflammation, while accelerating healing and minimizing infection risks.
– **Severe Anaemia**: For patients with severe anaemia awaiting blood transfusions, HBOT can temporarily elevate oxygen levels in tissues, sustaining organ function until red blood cell counts are restored.
– **Sports Injuries**: Athletes can leverage HBOT for faster recovery from muscle injuries, as the therapy reduces inflammation and aids in tissue rebuilding, allowing for an earlier return to peak performance.
Kumar underscored that the introduction of HBOT Therapy illustrates PSH’s ongoing commitment to innovation and excellence in patient care, complementing its existing advanced surgical and rehabilitation services. The healthcare provider encourages patients, healthcare partners, and community members to remain informed about this exciting new service, which continues to expand the possibilities of modern medicine.