What Researchers Did
Researchers conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare ischemic complications after breast reconstruction surgery in patients who received hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) versus those who did not.
What They Found
After analyzing seven studies, researchers found that HBOT did not significantly reduce complications like hematoma (p=0.25), skin necrosis (p=0.40), or the need for reoperation (p=0.08) following breast reconstruction. In groups where HBOT was used alone, pooled rates for seroma were 16.1%, surgical site infection (SSI) 18.8%, return to the operating room for debridement 12.6%, and explantation 21.6%.
Canadian Relevance
No direct Canadian connection identified.
Study Limitations
The study primarily included non-randomized studies, which limits the strength of the comparative evidence regarding HBOT's effectiveness.