What Researchers Did
Researchers combined the results of 13 clinical trials to see whether hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) helps skin flaps survive after transplant surgery.
What They Found
This meta-analysis of 13 randomized controlled trials involving 1226 patients found that HBOT was associated with a higher skin flap survival rate (odds ratio 8.57). Patients who received HBOT also showed higher skin blood oxygen saturation (mean difference 19.94) and higher postoperative skin temperature (mean difference 0.71). Swelling resolved faster (mean difference -3.76 days) and skin returned to a normal ruddy color faster (mean difference -4.56 days), with all differences reported as statistically significant (p less than 0.05).
Canadian Relevance
No direct Canadian connection identified.
Study Limitations
As a meta-analysis, the findings depend on the quality and consistency of the 13 included trials, which the abstract does not detail, and the search was limited to records available up to June 26, 2023.