PSH to launch new Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) service

Pacific Specialist Healthcare will launch a new Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) service soon.

This could help reduce amputation in diabetic foot ulcer patients by up to 44 percent in Fiji.

In making this announcement, PSH director and chief executive officer Parvish Kumar said a meta-analysis published in Diabetes Care concluded that patients receiving HBOT had significantly higher rates of wound healing and lower rates of major amputations compared to those receiving standard care alone.

“Some clinical trials suggest that HBOT can reduce the risk of amputation in diabetic patients by 30–40 per cent, depending on the extent of the ulcer and the duration of the therapy,” Mr Kumar said.

He said PSH was excited to announce the launch of its state-of-the-art HBOT service as this would provide patients with a powerful new option for managing a wide range of medical conditions.

“As a leading healthcare provider in the region, PSH continues to expand its services with cutting-edge technologies, and HBOT represents the latest advancement in our commitment to patient-centric care.”

HBOT involves the administration of pure oxygen in a highly pressurized environment, which can accelerate healing, enhance recovery, and treat numerous conditions that may not respond well to conventional therapies.

Originally used for decompression sickness in divers, the uses of HBOT have broadened over time, making it a vital tool in modern medicine.

Here’s a preview of the key benefits and applications of the upcoming HBOT Therapy service:

• Decompression Sickness (DCS)

Divers experiencing decompression sickness, or “the bends,” will be able to access the HBOT chambers to treat this condition effectively. The pressurized oxygen dissolves nitrogen bubbles in the bloodstream, rapidly returning the body to normal.

• Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

One of the critical uses of HBOT is in cases of carbon monoxide poisoning. By quickly eliminating carbon monoxide from the bloodstream, HBOT helps restore oxygen levels in the body, minimizing damage to organs and ensuring faster recovery.

• Advanced Wound Healing

Our new service will be a significant asset for patients suffering from chronic wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers and radiation-induced injuries. HBOT enhances oxygen supply to damaged tissues, promoting the formation of new blood vessels and accelerating the healing process for wounds that have been resistant to other treatments.

• Severe Infections

HBOT will also be available for treating life-threatening infections like necrotizing fasciitis, also known as “flesh-eating bacteria.” By increasing oxygen levels in infected tissues, the therapy boosts the immune system and enhances the effectiveness of antibiotics, giving patients a better chance of recovery.

• Support for Radiation Therapy Patients

For patients dealing with the long-term effects of radiation therapy, HBOT offers a new opportunity for healing. The therapy promotes the repair of damaged tissues, helping to alleviate the side effects associated with radiation treatments for cancer.

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) and Stroke Recovery

Although still being studied, early evidence suggests that HBOT may help improve recovery for patients suffering from traumatic brain injuries and strokes. The increased oxygen supply to damaged brain areas can aid in restoring cognitive and motor functions.

• Thermal Burns

For patients suffering from severe burns, HBOT offers a promising approach to reducing tissue damage and inflammation. By delivering oxygen directly to burned tissues, the therapy promotes faster healing and lowers the risk of complications such as infections.

• Severe Anaemia

In cases of severe anaemia where blood transfusions are not immediately available, HBOT can temporarily increase oxygen levels in the tissues, maintaining organ function until red blood cell levels can be restored.

• Sports Injuries

Athletes seeking quicker recovery from muscle injuries will be able to turn to HBOT for accelerated healing. The therapy reduces inflammation and helps rebuild damaged tissues, allowing athletes to return to peak performance sooner.“

HBOT will also be available for treating life-threatening infections like necrotizing fasciitis. Photo: Supplied

As PSH continues to rapidly evolve as the premier healthcare provider in the region, the introduction of HBOT Therapy is a testament to our focus on innovation and excellence in patient care,” Mr Kumar said.

“Our upcoming HBOT service will complement our existing advanced surgical and rehabilitation services, offering a holistic and modern approach to healing.

“We invite all our patients, healthcare partners, and community members to stay tuned for more updates as we prepare to open this exciting new service. With HBOT, Pacific Specialist Healthcare is continuing to expand the possibilities of what modern medicine can achieve.

Feedback: charles.chambers@fijisun.com.fj