PREOPERATIVE HYPERBARIC-OXYGEN THERAPY FOR RADIATION-INDUCED INJURIES

Purpose: We present our experience with preoperatively administered hy perbaric oxygen therapy to patients who have sustained significant the rapeutic radiation induced soft tissue injuries and subsequently under go planned abdominal intervention/surgery. Materials and Methods: From February 1993 to May 1997, 5 patients with a history of complications following therapeutic radiation were prospectively treated with hyper baric oxygen before a planned abdominal operation. Results: All patien ts had uneventful hospital courses. An additional procedure was eventu ally necessary in 2 patients but with fewer radiation related problems following hyperbaric oxygenation. Conclusions: Hyperbaric oxygenation may improve postoperative outcomes when given before planned open ope rations in patients with previous therapeutic pelvic irradiation and a history of radiation related complications.