Applications of hyperbaric oxygen in otolaryngology head and neck surgery - Facial cutaneous flaps

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is of significant benefit in the setting of an is chemic flap of the head and neck. Mechanistically, hyperbaric oxygen decrea ses local tissue edema and improves oxygen delivery to compromised tissues. Both capillary and fibroblast ingrowth occur at a greater rate with hyperb aric oxygen therapy, and there is an increase in the tensile strength of th e wound. Additional indications in the head and neck include traumatic comp osite amputations, necrotizing soft-tissue infections, and osteoradionecros is of the facial skeleton.