Rationale for HBO Therapy Published reports in peer-reviewed journals have conclusively documented the efficacy of HBO in reducing the morbidity of radiation injury. HBO provides a cyclic increase in tissue oxygen levels that promotes collagen formation by fibroblasts and capillary ingrowth. These processes allow closure of small defects in irradiated tissue and provide an enhanced vascular bed for healing. This includes improved healing in the event of surgery, graft or flap placement. Please speak to the HBO therapist and ask for the HBO physician on duty.
Patients remain under the care of the referring physician who assesses efficacy of treatments.
No consultation of other physicians is undertaken without prior discussion with the referring physician. When necessary for clarification, third party payors are requested to confirm the intention to reimburse. Top of Page Foremost contraindications are acute lung infection, history of acute severe asthma, untreated pneumo-thorax and presence of air containing cavities such as pneumoencephalus. Chronic pulmonary disease or history of spontaneous pneumothorax must always be identified before HBO therapy. Other conditions that give rise to concern are repeated episodes of middle ear infection.