What Researchers Did
Researchers conducted a retrospective study to evaluate the efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy as an adjunct for nonhealing lower extremity wounds in 54 patients.
What They Found
None of the 54 patients experienced complete wound healing, with only 6 (11%) showing some improvement and 43 (80%) showing no improvement. Furthermore, 34 patients (63%) developed complications, most commonly barotrauma to the ears, and the average cost for 30 treatments was $14,000.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian patients with nonhealing lower extremity wounds should be aware that hyperbaric oxygen therapy may not lead to complete healing and carries a risk of complications. They should discuss alternative or adjunctive treatments with their healthcare providers.
Canadian Relevance
This study was conducted in the United States and has no direct Canadian connection.
Study Limitations
As a retrospective study, it is limited by potential selection bias, lack of a control group, and confounding factors like concomitant treatments in some patients.