[Hyperbaric medicine in Croatia: an example of ethics on probation]

Hyperbaric oxygenation (HBO) has been existing in the Republic of Croatia for over 30 years, but still carries a burden of many problems: scientific, professional, legal, economical, and ethical. Discussed are ethical aspects dealing with HBO in Croatia, based on the following statements and questions: Croatian doctors have very limited knowledge of HBO; its efficacy in the treatment of many different diseases is in Croatia viewed with skepticism; are there other medical priorities that should be developed as a priority in the country after the war; what controlled, prospective, double blind, clinical studies support the use of HBO; is it a method of high risk; do we need to repeat studies on HBO efficacy already done elsewhere; and how to make Croatian legislation and human rights compatible in this matter.