Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

Breathing 100 percent oxygen at increased atmospheric pressure is a painless, proven way to help your body heal. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) surrounds you with pure oxygen at higher-than-normal pressure in sessions that last from one to two hours. 

The increase in pressure leads to a rise in oxygen levels in your blood and tissue. This process helps your wounds heal from the inside out. The only physical sensation you feel in treatment is slight pressure on the eardrum, similar to being on an airplane, as the oxygen in the chamber is compressed.

HBOT chambers look like a reclining bed in a clear acrylic shell. They are comfortable and allow enough space for you to reposition yourself during treatment. We have TVs with DVD players above our chambers to provide entertainment during your session as well. You will remain in constant contact with others outside of the chamber through an intercom and private handset. 

Our center also has changing rooms with bathrooms and ceiling lifts to assist with patient transfers.

Indications for Treatment May Include:

• Chronic or recurrent bone infections 
• Compromised or failing skin or muscle flaps and grafts   
• Diabetic ulcers on the leg and feet
• Late effects of radiation on soft tissue or bone

Treating Radiation Injuries With HBOT

Hyperbaric medicine has emerged as a promising treatment option for individuals suffering from radiation injuries. Whether the damage results from radiation therapy or surgical procedures, the lack of oxygen in the body’s tissues can delay the healing process. This is where HBOT comes into play.

Research has shown that HBOT can significantly improve the management and healing of radiation injuries. While it may not guarantee a complete resolution in all cases, it has proven effective in 75 percent of patients experiencing radiation injury symptoms. This is a remarkable success rate, considering the limited treatment options for such injuries.

What Is Radiation Injury? 

While radiation therapy is an effective weapon in the fight against cancer, occasionally, healthy tissue may become injured in the process, and some patients will experience radiation injury, also known as soft tissue radionecrosis (STRN) or osteoradionecrosis (ORN). Risk factors such as infection, diabetes mellitus or steroid use can play a role in the development of symptoms.

In addition, the size and location of the original tumor can also be a factor. Although any tissue may be affected, STRN and ORN are most commonly found in the head, neck, chest, breast, abdominal and pelvic areas.

What Is the Incidence of Radiation Injury?

Each year, more than 1.5 million new cases of cancer are diagnosed in the United States. Of these, approximately one-half will receive radiation therapy, and about one-half of this group will become long-term survivors. Unfortunately, 5-10 percent of long-term survivors will develop complications related to radiation treatment.

What Are the Symptoms of Osteoradionecrosis (ORN)?

Individuals who undergo radiation treatment for head and neck cancers are at an increased risk of ORN. ORN is delayed bone damage most commonly found in the jawbone. Non-healing sores in the mouth or bone defects identified with dental X-rays may indicate the presence of it.

What Are the Symptoms of Soft Tissue Radionecrosis (STRN)? 

Individuals who are treated with radiation for cancer in different areas may experience other symptoms of STRN, such as:

• Chest or breast area: pain in the radiation site and a surgical site that becomes infected, won’t heal or heals for a while, and then re-opens.
• Head or neck: chronic dry mouth, hoarseness, sore throat, pain, weight loss, difficulty swallowing, difficulty breathing or upper airway obstruction. 
• Pelvic area or abdominal region: blood in the urine, rectal bleeding, chronic diarrhea, pain, vaginal discharge and loss of bladder control.