What Researchers Did
Researchers combined data from 13 randomized controlled trials involving 1,226 patients to determine whether HBOT improves outcomes after skin flap transplant surgery.
What They Found
HBOT dramatically increased skin flap survival rates, with an odds ratio of 8.57, meaning treated patients were more than 8 times more likely to have their flap survive. Blood oxygen saturation in the flap increased by an average of nearly 20 units, and swelling resolved about 3.8 days faster in HBOT-treated patients. Skin returned to a healthy pink colour about 4.6 days sooner.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadians undergoing reconstructive surgery — such as after cancer removal, burns, or trauma — may significantly reduce their risk of losing the transplanted skin by adding HBOT to their recovery plan. Faster healing means shorter hospital stays and lower complication rates.
Canadian Relevance
No direct Canadian connection identified. Compromised skin grafts and flaps are a recognized HBOT indication supported by major hyperbaric societies, though not currently listed as OHIP-covered.
Study Limitations
Many included trials were conducted in China and may not fully represent outcomes in Western healthcare settings.