What Researchers Did
Researchers retrospectively reviewed 25 patients who received hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) for tracheal or oesophageal anastomotic complications between 2007 and 2018.
What They Found
Among 23 patients with airway anastomotic issues, 20 (87%) experienced healing of the anastomosis, and 19 (83%) achieved a satisfactory long-term airway outcome. For the 2 patients with oesophageal anastomotic problems, HBOT was successful in one case, and overall, HBOT complications were infrequent and mild.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy could be a valuable adjunctive treatment option for Canadian patients experiencing complex tracheal or oesophageal anastomotic complications after surgery. This therapy may help improve healing rates and long-term outcomes, potentially reducing the need for further interventions.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection as it was conducted outside of Canada.
Study Limitations
The retrospective nature and small sample size of 25 patients limit the generalizability of these findings.