Pacific Specialist Healthcare is set to introduce a new Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) service aimed at significantly reducing amputation rates among diabetic foot ulcer patients in Fiji, potentially by as much as 44 percent. Parvish Kumar, the director and CEO of PSH, announced that a meta-analysis published in Diabetes Care indicates that patients who undergo HBOT experience higher rates of wound healing and lower major amputation rates compared to those receiving standard treatments alone.
Kumar cited clinical trials suggesting that HBOT could decrease amputation risks in diabetic patients between 30 and 40 percent, contingent on the severity of the ulcer and therapy duration. PSH is enthusiastic about launching this advanced HBOT service, as it will provide patients with an effective new option for managing various medical conditions.
HBOT involves administering pure oxygen in a highly pressurized environment, which can enhance healing and recovery while treating many conditions that might not respond to traditional therapies. Initially developed for treating decompression sickness among divers, the applications of HBOT have since expanded, making it an essential tool in contemporary medicine.
The upcoming HBOT service will offer numerous benefits, including:
– **Decompression Sickness (DCS)**: Divers suffering from DCS will have access to HBOT chambers, effectively treating this condition by helping dissolve nitrogen bubbles in the bloodstream.
– **Carbon Monoxide Poisoning**: HBOT plays a critical role in treating carbon monoxide poisoning by rapidly removing carbon monoxide from the bloodstream, restoring oxygen levels quickly.
– **Advanced Wound Healing**: The service will assist patients with chronic wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers, by facilitating oxygen supply to damaged tissues, promoting new blood vessel growth, and speeding up healing.
– **Severe Infections**: Patients suffering from life-threatening infections, including necrotizing fasciitis, will benefit from HBOT, which boosts the immune system’s effectiveness and increases oxygen levels in infected tissues.
– **Support for Radiation Therapy Patients**: HBOT can help repair tissues damaged by radiation, easing the side effects of cancer treatments.
– **Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) and Stroke Recovery**: Preliminary evidence indicates that HBOT may aid recovery for TBI and stroke patients by enhancing oxygen supply to affected brain areas.
– **Thermal Burns**: HBOT presents a viable approach for treating severe burns, reducing inflammation and promoting quicker healing.
– **Severe Anemia**: For severe anemia cases lacking immediate transfusions, HBOT can temporarily elevate oxygen levels to maintain organ function.
– **Sports Injuries**: Athletes can utilize HBOT for faster recovery from muscle injuries, reducing inflammation and facilitating tissue repair.
As PSH continues its evolution as a premier healthcare provider, the introduction of HBOT therapy underscores its commitment to innovative and exceptional patient care. The upcoming service is designed to complement existing surgical and rehabilitation offerings, providing a comprehensive approach to healing.
PSH urges patients, healthcare partners, and community members to stay tuned for further updates regarding this exciting new service, showcasing the ongoing advancements in modern medical care.