What Researchers Did
Researchers reported on the experience of a single physician group treating 44 patients with delayed radiation injuries of the abdomen and/or pelvis using hyperbaric oxygen therapy since 1979.
What They Found
Of 41 patients available for follow-up, 26 healed, 6 failed to heal, and 9 had an inadequate course of therapy. The overall success rate was 81% for patients receiving at least 20 hyperbaric oxygen treatments, with fistulae resolving in 6 of 8 patients.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
For Canadian patients experiencing delayed radiation injuries in the abdomen or pelvis, hyperbaric oxygen therapy may offer a beneficial adjunctive treatment option. This could potentially improve healing outcomes and quality of life following radiation therapy.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection.
Study Limitations
The study's main limitation is its small sample size and single-center, retrospective design.