Pacific Specialist Healthcare is set to introduce a new Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) service in Fiji, with the potential to lower amputation rates in diabetic foot ulcer patients by as much as 44 percent. Parvish Kumar, director and CEO of PSH, highlighted a meta-analysis in Diabetes Care that demonstrated significantly higher wound healing rates and reduced major amputations for patients undergoing HBOT compared to those receiving standard care.
Mr. Kumar noted that some clinical trials indicate HBOT can decrease amputation risks by 30 to 40 percent, contingent on the ulcer’s severity and therapy duration. He expressed enthusiasm about the state-of-the-art HBOT service, emphasizing that it would provide a robust treatment option for various medical conditions.
HBOT works by delivering pure oxygen in a pressurized setting, which can speed up healing, enhance recovery, and effectively treat a range of conditions unresponsive to conventional treatments. Initially developed for treating decompression sickness in divers, the application of HBOT has grown, making it an essential tool in contemporary medicine.
Key benefits and applications of the upcoming HBOT service include:
– **Decompression Sickness (DCS):** The therapy will aid divers suffering from DCS by dissolving nitrogen bubbles in the bloodstream through pressurized oxygen.
– **Carbon Monoxide Poisoning:** HBOT is crucial for addressing carbon monoxide poisoning, helping to eliminate the gas from the bloodstream and restore oxygen levels to mitigate organ damage and expedite recovery.
– **Advanced Wound Healing:** The service will be beneficial for patients with chronic wounds, providing enhanced oxygen supply to damaged tissues and promoting the development of new blood vessels to accelerate healing.
– **Severe Infections:** HBOT can be utilized in treating critical infections such as necrotizing fasciitis, boosting oxygen levels in infected tissues to strengthen the immune response and improve antibiotic effectiveness.
– **Support for Radiation Therapy Patients:** For those experiencing long-term effects from radiation therapy, HBOT may help repair damaged tissues and alleviate associated side effects.
– **Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) and Stroke Recovery:** Although still under investigation, early findings suggest HBOT could facilitate recovery in TBI and stroke patients by enhancing oxygen supply to affected areas of the brain.
– **Thermal Burns:** The therapy shows promise in reducing tissue damage and inflammation in severe burns, promoting faster healing and lowering infection risks.
– **Severe Anaemia:** For patients with severe anaemia lacking immediate access to blood transfusions, HBOT can temporarily elevate tissue oxygen levels, supporting organ function until red blood cell counts are restored.
– **Sports Injuries:** Athletes can leverage HBOT for quicker recovery from muscle injuries, as the therapy reduces inflammation and rebuilds damaged tissues.
As PSH continues to enhance its reputation as a leading healthcare provider in the region, the launch of HBOT Therapy reflects its commitment to innovative and high-quality patient care. Mr. Kumar encouraged patients, healthcare partners, and the community to stay tuned for updates as the new service prepares to launch, further extending the boundaries of modern medical possibilities.