[Hyperbaric oxygen therapy in radionecrotic lesions]

The Anaesthesia and Recovery Service at the Galeazzi Orthopaedic Centre in Milan has an HOT unit where various cases of necrosis following radiotherapy for neoplasias have been and are still being treated. Some cases of radiodermitis and osteoradionecrosis only cured after HOT treatment are presented. The recovery of the scarring and granulation processes in these cases is attributable to the increased perfusion and above all diffusion of oxygen which activates the heating processes in the hypoxic tissues. An additional advantage of HOT is that patients can be treated in outpatients department (for periods ranging from 25 to 70 days according to the seriousness of the case), thus avoiding long-term hospitalisation and withdrawal from normal working life.