Does Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Work in Facilitating Acute Wound Healing: A Systematic Review

Background: Adjunctive hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a safe and effective modality with which to increase tissue oxygenation and aid in healing of difficult wounds. The majority of the literature surrounding hyperbaric oxygen therapy supports its use in chronic wounds, but its use in acute wounds, flaps, and grafts is less well supported. Methods: The authors reviewed the Ovid, PubMed, and Cochrane Library databases, and selected studies, level III and above, using hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the treatment of complicated acute wounds, flaps, and grafts. Results: A total of eight studies were found to meet criteria for evaluation of adjunctive hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the treatment of complicated acute wounds, flaps, and grafts. Conclusions: When combined with standard wound management principles, hyperbaric oxygen therapy can augment healing in complicated acute wounds. However, it is not indicated in normal wound management. Further investigation is required before it can be recommended as a mainstay in adjuvant wound therapy.