What Researchers Did
Researchers investigated whether hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) combined with steroids could prevent strictures after large esophageal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD).
What They Found
Out of 35 patients, those receiving HBOT plus steroids had a significantly lower stricture incidence (6.7%, 1 out of 15 patients) compared to those receiving steroids alone (40%, 8 out of 20 patients). For circumferential mucosal defects, HBOT plus steroids prevented all strictures (0%, 0 out of 6 patients) compared to 71.4% (5 out of 7 patients) in the control group. Post-ESD complication rates were similar between groups, and no HBOT-related adverse events were observed.
Canadian Relevance
No direct Canadian connection identified.
Study Limitations
This study was retrospective and involved a small number of patients, which limits how broadly its findings can be applied.