Pacific Specialist Healthcare is set to introduce a new Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) service in the near future. This initiative has the potential to decrease the rate of amputations in patients with diabetic foot ulcers by as much as 44 percent in Fiji.
In announcing this development, PSH Director and CEO Parvish Kumar referenced a meta-analysis published in Diabetes Care, which found that patients who received HBOT experienced significantly improved wound healing and a reduced incidence of major amputations compared to those who only received standard care.
“Clinical trials indicate that HBOT can lower the risk of amputation in diabetic patients by 30 to 40 percent, contingent on the severity of the ulcer and the length of therapy,” Kumar noted.
He expressed excitement about the launch of the state-of-the-art HBOT service, highlighting its ability to offer patients a powerful new tool for managing various medical conditions.
“As a leading healthcare provider in the region, PSH is committed to expanding its services with leading-edge technologies, and HBOT represents the latest development in our dedication to patient-centered care,” he added.
HBOT consists of delivering pure oxygen in a highly pressurized environment, which can promote healing, facilitate recovery, and treat various conditions that may not respond effectively to conventional therapies.
Initially utilized for treating decompression sickness in divers, the applications of HBOT have expanded significantly, establishing it as an essential part of modern medical practice.
The upcoming HBOT Therapy service will offer several key benefits and applications:
– **Decompression Sickness (DCS):** Divers who develop DCS, or “the bends,” will benefit from HBOT treatment, which effectively dissolves nitrogen bubbles in the bloodstream and helps return the body to normal.
– **Carbon Monoxide Poisoning:** HBOT is critical for treating carbon monoxide poisoning by rapidly clearing carbon monoxide from the bloodstream, restoring oxygen levels and minimizing organ damage.
– **Advanced Wound Healing:** Patients with chronic wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers and radiation-induced injuries, can use HBOT to enhance oxygen supply to damaged tissues, fostering new blood vessel formation and speeding up healing.
– **Severe Infections:** The service will also assist in managing life-threatening infections like necrotizing fasciitis, commonly referred to as “flesh-eating bacteria.” By boosting oxygen levels in infected tissues, HBOT augments the immune response and enhances the effectiveness of antibiotics.
– **Support for Radiation Therapy Patients:** For those experiencing long-term effects of radiation therapy, HBOT provides an opportunity for tissue repair, helping mitigate side effects associated with cancer treatment.
– **Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) and Stroke Recovery:** Early studies suggest HBOT may improve outcomes for patients recovering from TBIs and strokes by increasing oxygen supply to damaged brain areas, potentially aiding cognitive and motor function restoration.
– **Thermal Burns:** HBOT presents a promising option for patients with severe burns, minimizing tissue damage and inflammation by delivering oxygen directly to affected areas, thus promoting faster healing and lowering infection risks.
– **Severe Anaemia:** In situations of severe anaemia where blood transfusions are urgently needed, HBOT can temporarily elevate tissue oxygen levels, sustaining organ function until red blood cell counts are restored.
– **Sports Injuries:** Athletes looking for faster recovery from muscle injuries can utilize HBOT to reduce inflammation and accelerate tissue rebuilding, allowing quicker return to optimal performance.
As PSH continues to grow as the leading healthcare provider in the region, the introduction of HBOT Therapy underscores its focus on innovation and commitment to quality patient care, Kumar emphasized.
“Our new HBOT service will complement our existing advanced surgical and rehabilitation offerings, providing a comprehensive and modern approach to healing.”
He encouraged patients, healthcare partners, and community members to stay updated as the organization prepares to launch this promising new service, reinforcing how HBOT can expand the possibilities of modern medicine.