Does hyperbaric oxygen therapy prevent airway anastomosis from breakdown?

Area of Science:

• Thoracic Surgery
• Hyperbaric Medicine
• Surgical Complications

Background:

• Central airway resection and reconstruction can lead to anastomosis ischemia and necrosis, a significant surgical complication.
• Currently, no evidence supports hyperbaric oxygen's use in preventing airway reconstruction necrosis in humans.

Observation:

• A patient undergoing central airway surgery developed postoperative ischemia of an end-to-side anastomosis.
• The patient received repeat hyperbaric oxygen treatments.

Findings:

• The hyperbaric oxygen therapy appeared to prevent necrosis and dehiscence of the anastomosis.
• The airway anastomosis achieved complete healing.

Implications:

• Hyperbaric oxygen treatment is a potential consideration for managing ischemia or necrosis in central airway anastomoses.
• This approach may be beneficial during postoperative bronchoscopic surveillance after airway surgery.