What Researchers Did
A researcher systematically reviewed all randomized controlled trials on recompression treatment and add-on therapies for divers with decompression illness (DCI).
What They Found
Only two RCTs were found in the entire medical literature. One trial (180 patients) showed that tenoxicam (an anti-inflammatory drug) reduced the median number of recompression sessions needed from 3 to 2. The second trial (41 patients) showed a shorter initial recompression table reduced repeat sessions (median 1 versus 2) for mild DCI cases. Both trials had significant methodological limitations.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
For Canadian divers who experience decompression illness, this review reveals that current treatment protocols, including HBOT recompression, are based on very limited controlled trial evidence. While HBOT remains the standard of care for DCI, Canadians should be aware that the precise best protocol is still being refined, and that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may reduce the number of chamber sessions needed.
Canadian Relevance
Decompression sickness is an OHIP-covered indication for HBOT in Ontario.
Study Limitations
Only two eligible RCTs exist worldwide, both small and with methodological weaknesses, making it impossible to draw firm conclusions about optimal HBOT protocols for DCI.