Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) involves breathing 100% oxygen within a pressurised chamber, which enhances oxygen absorption into the bloodstream due to the increased pressure. Traditionally used for conditions like decompression sickness, HBOT is now gaining popularity for treating a variety of other conditions, including potential benefits in surgical care.
The Role of HBOT in Surgery
Surgery, regardless of its complexity, can be physically taxing. To optimise outcomes and enhance recovery, medical professionals are exploring adjunctive therapies like HBOT. This blog post explores the benefits of using HBOT before and after surgery, demonstrating its potential to revolutionise surgical care.
Pre-Surgery HBOT: Preparing the Body for Surgery
- Enhancing Oxygen Supply
By increasing oxygen levels in the body, HBOT ensures that tissues are well-oxygenated before surgery. This is particularly beneficial for patients with conditions that impair oxygen delivery, such as diabetes or peripheral vascular disease.
- Reducing Inflammation
Pre-surgical inflammation can complicate procedures and affect outcomes. HBOT’s anti-inflammatory properties help reduce swelling, preparing the body for surgery and ensuring a smoother operation. Read more about Inflammation and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.
- Boosting Immune Function
A robust immune system is vital for preventing post-surgical infections. HBOT enhances the immune response, making the body better prepared to fend off potential infections during and after surgery. Read more about Autoimmunity and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.
Post-Surgery HBOT: Accelerating Recovery
The postoperative phase is critical for recovery. Here’s how HBOT supports this crucial period:
- Speeding Up Wound Healing
Oxygen is essential for wound healing. After surgery, the demand for oxygen in tissues increases. HBOT provides a surplus of oxygen, promoting faster and more efficient healing of surgical wounds. High oxygen levels enhance cellular respiration, oxidative clearance of contaminants, and collagen formation, all crucial for wound healing.
- Reducing Post-Surgical Swelling and Pain
Inflammation and pain are common after surgery. HBOT’s anti-inflammatory effects significantly reduce swelling and pain, leading to a more comfortable recovery process.
- Minimising Infection Risks
Post-surgical infections are a serious concern. The increased oxygen levels from HBOT create an environment hostile to anaerobic bacteria, reducing the risk of infections and complications.
- Improving Outcomes in Compromised Patients
Patients with compromised health conditions, such as diabetes or chronic infections, often face slower recoveries. HBOT can be particularly beneficial for these individuals, providing the extra support their bodies need to heal effectively.
- Enhancing Recovery in Chronic Wounds
HBOT has been shown to reduce the risk of major amputations in diabetic patients by improving wound healing. This highlights its potential in treating chronic and difficult-to-heal wounds.
Clinical Evidence and Case Studies
- A systematic review of randomized controlled trials showed that preoperative HBOT might improve surgical outcomes, with most trials indicating its effectiveness.
- One study found that HBOT (exposure to 2.4 atm absolute for 90 minutes three times within 24 hours before surgery) significantly improved outcomes and reduced inflammatory markers in patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass surgery.
- Another systematic review evaluated HBOT’s effectiveness in wound healing compared to other interventions, finding significant improvements in patients with acute wounds.
- Additional studies have shown that HBOT significantly improves healing in patients with compromised blood flow and chronic wounds, underscoring its potential in surgical recovery.
Conclusion
HBOT offers a promising, non-invasive treatment option for individuals undergoing surgery. By enhancing oxygen supply, reducing inflammation, boosting immune function, and speeding up wound healing, HBOT can significantly improve surgical outcomes. If you are considering surgery, discuss with your healthcare provider whether HBOT might be a beneficial addition to your treatment plan. By using the power of oxygen, you can set the stage for a more successful surgical journey.
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References
Alex, J., Laden, G., Cale, A.R., Bennett, S., Flowers, K., Madden, L., Gardiner, E., McCollum, P.T. & Griffin, S.C. 2005a, “Pretreatment with hyperbaric oxygen and its effect on neuropsychometric dysfunction and systemic inflammatory response after cardiopulmonary bypass: a prospective randomized double-blind trial”, The Journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery, vol. 130, no. 6, pp. 1623-1630.
Boet, S., Martin, L., Cheng-Boivin, O., Etherington, C., Louge, P., Pignel, R., Pellégrini, M., Magnan, M. & Bennett, M. 2020, “Can preventive hyperbaric oxygen therapy optimise surgical outcome?: A systematic review of randomised controlled trials”, European Journal of Anaesthesiology| EJA, vol. 37, no. 8, pp. 636-648.
Gupta, M. & Somasundaram, I. (2024) Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy : Principles and Applications. 1st ed. Singapore: Springer Singapore Pte. Limited.
Li, Y., Dong, H., Chen, M., Liu, J., Yang, L., Chen, S. & Xiong, L. 2011, “Preconditioning with repeated hyperbaric oxygen induces myocardial and cerebral protection in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery: a prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial”, Journal of cardiothoracic and vascular anesthesia, vol. 25, no. 6, pp. 908-916.
Memar, M.Y., Yekani, M., Alizadeh, N. & Baghi, H.B. 2019, “Hyperbaric oxygen therapy: Antimicrobial mechanisms and clinical application for infections”, Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, vol. 109, pp. 440-447.
Roeckl-Wiedmann, I., Bennett, M. & Kranke, P. 2005, “Systematic review of hyperbaric oxygen in the management of chronic wounds”, Journal of British Surgery, vol. 92, no. 1, pp. 24-32.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a medical treatment that entails breathing pure oxygen in a specially pressurised chamber, which enhances oxygen delivery to tissues, facilitating healing and reducing inflammation.