What Researchers Did
This single-center, retrospective study compared hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) with a long intestinal tube (LIT) for postoperative adhesive small bowel obstruction (ASBO) or paralytic ileus (PI) in 126 gastrointestinal cancer patients.
What They Found
The median fasting period was 5 days in both the HBOT group (IQR 4-7 days) and the LIT group (IQR 4-7.8 days), with no significant difference (p=0.574). Among responders, fasting periods were also similar (HBOT: 5 [3-7] days; LIT: 5 [4-7.3] days; p=0.181). HBOT non-responders were significantly more emetic (94% vs 63%, p=0.018) and older (mean 82.0 vs 75.1 years; p=0.023) than responders.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian patients experiencing postoperative ASBO or PI after gastrointestinal cancer surgery might find hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) to be a comfortable alternative to a long intestinal tube. This could potentially reduce the discomfort associated with tube insertion and management, offering a less invasive treatment option.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection as it was conducted in a single center outside of Canada.
Study Limitations
This study's findings are limited by its single-center, retrospective design and the smaller sample size of the LIT group.