Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for postoperative ischemic bronchitis after resection of lung cancer

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been used successfully in the treatment of specific ischemic injuries, but has been a little evaluated specifically in postoperative ischemic bronchitis (POIB). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of HBOT when used for POIB after resection of lung cancer.

From January 1999 to December 2016, 1,100 patients underwent lymph node dissection (LND) and either anatomic pulmonary resection or lung resection with bronchoplasty for lung cancer. POIB was diagnosed by bronchoscopy. HBOT was administered after POIB was diagnosed. HBOT comprised one 60-minute session daily in the hyperbaric chamber at 2.0 absolute atmospheres with 100% oxygen. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical course, timing of onset of POIB, outcomes, and any adverse events.

Seven patients were identified to have had POIB treated with HBOT, all of whom were men with a smoking history and a median age of 65 years (range, 57-72 years). The operative procedures included three lung resections with bronchoplasty, three right lower lobectomies, and one right middle lobectomy performed owing to torsion of the middle lobe after right upper sleeve lobectomy. All 7 patients underwent subcarinal LND. POIB was diagnosed at a median of 11 days (range, 4-41 days) postoperatively. The median duration of an HBOT session was 7 days (range, 3-11 days). POIB resolved in 5 patients but worsened in 2, both of whom required further surgery.

Prospective clinical trials are now needed to confirm the potential benefits of HBOT in POIB.