[Hyperbaric oxygenation therapy, basic concepts]

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) is defined as a treatment in which a patient breathes 100% oxygen in a pressurized environment of at least 1.4 absolute atmospheres. The first written reports data from the 15th century, when it was used to treat respiratory diseases. For some time its applications lacked scientific support until the second half of this century when scientific publications were carried out using current methodology. This type of therapy is grounded basically in three gas laws: Henry's Law, Dalton's Law and Boyle's Law. The beneficial effects are: wound healing enhancement; increased neutrophil bactericidal capacity; direct toxic effect against some microorganisms; arteriolar vasoconstriction with subsequent edema reduction and decreased ischemia/reperfusion injury, among others. These are the result of increased environmental pressure and high oxygen tension in body tissues. Currently there are 13 accepted conditions to be treated with HBO and others are still under investigation. Following UHMS-accepted treatment protocols, complications and/or adverse effects are limited.