[Clinical value of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for the treatment of chronic wounds]

The physical and biological effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) are used to treat various medical conditions, such as decompression sickness after diving accidents or in cases of gas embolism or CO-poisoning. Another, generally less well-known indication for HBOT is the use of HBOT in supporting the healing of chronic wounds. HBOT corrects tissue hypoxia, stimulates angiogenesis and collagen synthesis, reduces environmental oedema and has anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial effects. Various clinical studies have shown a positive effect of HBOT on wound healing, particularly in diabetic foot syndrome. Nevertheless, the indication for HBOT in wound healing disorders is not conclusively clarified for all forms of chronic wounds, which is partly due to the heterogeneity of the existing data. Barriers in application include potentially long treatment protocols and the distance to the nearest pressure chamber.