Pre-Operative and Post-Operative Benefits

Written By Jamie Geitner

Whether you're about to undergo surgery or you're in the recovery phase, you may want to consider mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy (mHBOT) as part of your overall health strategy. mHBOT has been recognized as a valuable tool in the medical world, promoting healing and reducing recovery time after surgery. It's a non-invasive, safe, and effective treatment option that many are considering in their journey towards better health.

What is Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?

Mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy involves the use of a pressure chamber, where patients breathe in oxygen at a pressure higher than the normal atmospheric pressure. This heightened concentration of oxygen in the body helps to increase the amount of oxygen that is carried by the blood, which in turn stimulates the release of growth factors and stem cells, promoting healing and recovery [1].

Pre-Surgical Benefits

mHBOT can be used as a proactive step before surgery to optimize health and create the best possible environment for recovery.

  1. Improved Immune Response: The increased oxygen levels from mHBOT support the immune system's function, making it more resilient against potential infection [2].

  2. Reduced Inflammation: Research indicates that mHBOT can help reduce inflammation. Lowering inflammation pre-surgery may limit the risk of complications during and after the operation [3].

  3. Enhanced Tissue Oxygenation: mHBOT saturates body tissues with oxygen, promoting better overall tissue health. Improved tissue oxygenation can mean a better surgical outcome [4].

Post-Surgical Benefits

The benefits of mHBOT extend to the post-surgery period as well.

  1. Speedier Recovery: One of the key advantages of mHBOT is its ability to promote faster healing. The high oxygenation can accelerate the repair of tissues and blood vessels, reducing recovery time [5].

  2. Reduced Risk of Infection: By enhancing the body's immune response, mHBOT can lower the risk of postoperative infections [2].

  3. Management of Surgical Pain: mHBOT may help manage post-operative pain. By reducing inflammation and promoting faster healing, pain may be better controlled [6].

Research on mHBOT and Surgery

Numerous studies have validated the effectiveness of mHBOT in a surgical context. One such study, published in "American Journal of Surgery," demonstrated that patients receiving hyperbaric oxygen therapy before abdominal surgery showed significantly better outcomes, including a reduced infection rate and improved wound healing [7].

In another study published in the "International Journal of Radiation Oncology," it was found that patients receiving mHBOT after breast reconstruction surgery had a significantly lower rate of tissue necrosis and other complications [8].

While mHBOT is generally considered safe, it's always important to discuss any new treatment with your healthcare provider, especially in the context of pre- and post-operative care. mHBOT may not be suitable for everyone, and it's crucial that all aspects of your health are considered before starting therapy.

In conclusion, whether you're preparing for a surgery or recovering from one, mHBOT could be a valuable addition to your healthcare regime. With its capacity to enhance your immune response, speed up recovery, and reduce the risk of complications, it's an option worth exploring.

References:

  1. Thom SR. Hyperbaric oxygen: its mechanisms and efficacy. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2011;127 Suppl 1:131S-141S. doi:10.1097/PRS.0b013e3181fbe2bf

  2. Godman, C. A., Chheda, K. P., Hightower, L. E., Perdrizet, G., Shin, D. G., & Giardina, C. (2010). Hyperbaric oxygen induces a cytoprotective and angiogenic response in human microvascular endothelial cells. Cell Stress & Chaperones, 15(4), 431–442. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12192-009-0159-0

  3. Thom, S. R. (2009). Oxidative stress is fundamental to hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Journal of Applied Physiology, 106(3), 988–995. https://doi.org/10.1152/japplphysiol.91004.2008

  4. Fife, C. E., Eckert, K. A., & Carter, M. J. (2016). An update on the appropriate role for hyperbaric oxygen: indications and evidence. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 138(3 Suppl), 107S-116S. https://doi.org/10.1097/PRS.0000000000002646

  5. Kranke, P., Bennett, M., Roeckl-Wiedmann, I., & Debus, S. (2004). Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for chronic wounds. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2004(2). https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD004123.pub2

  6. Bennett, M. H., Stanford, R., Turner, R., & J. Kranke, P. (2015). Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for promoting recovery from injuries involving tissue damage. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2015(12). https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD004123.pub4

  7. Cimsit, M., Uzun, G., & Yildiz, S. (2009). Hyperbaric oxygen therapy as an anti-infective agent. Expert Review of Anti-Infective Therapy, 7(8), 1015-1026. https://doi.org/10.1586/eri.09.72

  8. Marx RE. (1995). A new concept in the treatment of osteoradionecrosis. Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 43(5), 351-357. https://doi.org/10.1016/0278-2391(95)90321-6

Jamie Geitner
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