What Researchers Did
Researchers reviewed 8 patients with pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis who received hyperbaric oxygen treatment at Prince Henry Hospital between 1980 and 1986, with follow-up in 1990.
What They Found
All 11 hyperbaric oxygen treatment courses led to significant symptomatic improvement. However, 7 recurrences occurred, while 4 patients achieved long-term cures, remaining asymptomatic and cyst-free for 4 to 9 years. Cyst resolution was documented in 2 of the 4 cured patients and failed in 6 of the 7 recurrence cases.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
For Canadian patients diagnosed with pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis, hyperbaric oxygen treatment may offer a potential cure. However, treatment should be continued until the cysts fully resolve, not just when symptoms improve, to achieve long-term benefits.
Canadian Relevance
This study has no direct Canadian connection as it was conducted in Australia and New Zealand.
Study Limitations
The study's primary limitation is its small sample size of 8 patients and its retrospective, observational design.