Hyperbaric oxygen in trauma and surgical emergencies.

Area of Science:

• Surgical Medicine
• Hyperbaric Medicine

Background:

• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) involves administering 100% oxygen under pressure.
• HBO has demonstrated pharmacological effects and is recognized as evidence-based therapy for specific acute surgical conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the beneficial effects of HBO in various surgical conditions.
• To address challenges associated with HBO use, such as inappropriate application and limited facilities.
• To encourage military surgeons to identify and utilize HBO facilities for trauma and acute surgical care.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing evidence on the efficacy of HBO in surgical settings.
• Identification of appropriate indications for HBO therapy.
• Emphasis on the importance of physician supervision and collaboration with surgeons.

Main Results:

• HBO is effective for conditions including gas gangrene, crush injuries, compartment syndromes, acute traumatic ischemia, problem wound healing, severe anemia, necrotizing infections, compromised grafts/flaps, and thermal burns.
• Challenges to HBO implementation include historical misuse, lack of awareness, and facility scarcity.
• Properly supervised HBO can be a valuable addition to surgical practice.

Conclusions:

• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is an appropriate and beneficial adjunct to surgical practice when used ethically for indicated conditions under expert medical supervision.
• Military surgeons are encouraged to integrate HBO into their management of acute surgical conditions and trauma.
• Overcoming barriers to HBO use requires increased knowledge and accessibility of hyperbaric facilities.