Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in free flap surgery: is it meaningful?

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Microsurgery
• Hyperbaric Medicine

Background:

• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) increases tissue oxygen delivery.
• HBOT has potential applications in reconstructive plastic surgery.
• The efficacy of HBOT in free flap surgery remains under investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in patients undergoing free flap surgery.
• To compare outcomes between patients receiving postoperative HBOT and a control group.

Main Methods:

• A randomized prospective study involving ten patients undergoing free tissue transfer.
• Patients were allocated to either a postoperative HBOT group (7 days) or a control group.
• Outcomes assessed included flap survival, venous congestion, edema, and healing up to 14 days postoperatively.

Main Results:

• No significant differences were observed in flap survival rates between the HBOT and control groups.
• The resolution of venous congestion and flap edema showed no significant variation.
• Postoperative recovery periods were comparable in both groups.

Conclusions:

• Routine use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy does not enhance the survival of free flaps.
• Current evidence does not support the routine application of HBOT to improve outcomes in free flap surgery.