What Researchers Did
Doctors tested whether hyperbaric oxygen therapy could ease long-term bladder symptoms in patients who had past radiation treatment for pelvic cancer.
What They Found
This randomised controlled trial found that hyperbaric oxygen therapy produced a significantly greater improvement in bladder symptoms than standard care alone. In the intention-to-treat analysis of 41 patients assigned to hyperbaric oxygen and 38 assigned to standard care, the hyperbaric oxygen group showed a 10.1-point greater improvement in the EPIC urinary total score (95% CI 2.2 to 18.1, p equals 0.013). Patients in the treatment group received 30-40 sessions of 100% oxygen at a pressure of 240-250 kPa for 80-90 minutes daily, with no restrictions on other medications or interventions for the control group.
Canadian Relevance
No direct Canadian connection identified; the trial was conducted at five Nordic university hospitals.
Study Limitations
The trial used no masking (no blinding of patients or staff), which can affect how symptoms are reported and assessed.