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Managing pre- and post-surgery health risks with HbOT

Managing pre- and post-surgery health risks with HbOT can help to optimise surgical outcomes.

HbOT helps pre-and post-op patients by increasing the intake of oxygen into tissues, boosting blood flow to reduce inflammation and accelerate wound healing.

Although HbOT is not a replacement for more conventional treatments, when used in conjunction with standard care practices, it can support recovery and help reduce certain risks for patients undergoing surgery.

N. B. Always discuss the possibility of HbOT with your healthcare team to determine whether it’s a good choice for your specific circumstances.

A review of the role of HbOT treatments as a primary or adjunctive therapy in treating surgical site infections (SSIs), (featured in the US National Library of Medicine, published in April 2023), stated there were “many advantageous effects… especially for wound healing and infections.” It further stated that “HbOT can be effective in the prevention, management or treatment of acute or chronic infections induced by such pathogens.”

What are pre-surgery health risks?

Obviously, the nature of the risks involved with surgery will depend on the condition of the patient and the severity of the operation, but pre-surgery health risks can be categorised as follows:

Anaesthesia risks – e.g., an allergic reaction or respiratory issues affecting the function of the lungs and/or airways.

Infections can complicate the procedure or affect healing post-surgery.

Blood clots – increased risk in patients with a history of blood clots.

Pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, respiratory diseases, and cardiovascular issues, including high blood pressure.

Medications – Blood thinners can cause excessive bleeding.

Stress, anxiety or depression can manifest in physical symptoms, such as high blood pressure and an increased heart rate.

Nutrient deficiency or dehydration can make recovery slow and difficult.

Breathing in almost pure oxygen in a pressurised chamber during HbOT treatments may help patients to reduce pre-surgery health risks:

Enhanced oxygenation of tissue

HbOT improves oxygen levels in the blood and tissues, helping wounds to heal, reducing inflammation, and improving the function of the immune system.

Improved oxygenation is particularly beneficial for patients with poor circulation or those at risk of slow healing.

Reduces the risk of infection

HbOT promotes the growth of new blood vessels, which aids in tissue repair before surgery, reducing the chance of infections.

Some studies have suggested that HbOT treatments improve the function of white bloods cells, which play a critical role in fighting infection.

Along with HbOT’s antimicrobial properties, this can improve the outcome for patients with pre-existing infections or those who have a high risk of post-operative infections.

Reducing Inflammation

HbOT helps to reduce inflammation, lowering surgical risks in patients with arthritis or autoimmune disorders.

Improved immune function

HbOT treatments can enhance the immune function in patients, especially those with diabetes or autoimmune conditions.

Improving Nutritional Status

Patients suffering from nutrient deficiencies or dehydration, can benefit from HbOT because it increases the supply of neurons carrying nutrients in the body, improving the body’s ability to absorb nutrients.

What are post-surgery health risks?

There are risks associated with any surgical procedure.

Here are the main post-surgery health risks, all requiring careful management:

Infection can delay healing, require extra surgical procedures or lead to complications, such as sepsis.

Excessive bleeding can increase the risk of anaemia or lead to further surgery.

Blood clots can be a risk, especially if mobility is affected or when recovery involves prolonged bed rest. In addition, blood clots can lead to more serious complications such as stroke or even heart attack.

Pain management can result in the overuse or misuse of pain killers, or a patient could receive inadequate pain control. Either of these factors can complicate recovery.

Poor healing as a result of infection, diabetes, malnutrition, smoking, or alcohol.

Stress or depression can affect patients, especially if surgery has resulted in physical limitation, mobility issues or has life-altering consequences.

Mobility issues can occur following surgery, leading to stiff joints, weakness, and pressure sores during bed rest recovery.

Post-operative complications such as chronic pain, formation of painful scar tissue or unsuccessful surgeries.

How can complementary HbOT treatments help patients to mitigate post-surgery health risks?

Reduced risk of infection

HbOT treatments increase the supply of oxygen into the blood and tissues, promoting the healing of damaged tissue, thus reducing the risk of infection post-surgery.

The increase in oxygen absorbed by tissues also inhibits the growth of some harmful bacteria that thrive in low-oxygen environments.

Wound healing

HbOT promotes the growth of new blood vessels, accelerating wound repair while reducing the risk of infection.

HbOT treatments can help to decrease the risk of infection in patients with compromised healing or those with a high risk of post-operative infections, such as diabetics.

Reducing Inflammation

HbOT helps to reduce post-surgery inflammation, reducing pain and helping to ease stiffness.

Pain reduction

Reduced levels of inflammation can result in patients requiring less pain medication following surgery, lessening the risk of dependency or accidental overdose.

Breathing in pure oxygen in a pressurised chamber can help to alleviate muscle spasms associated with certain types of surgery.

Preventing blood clots

Although Hbot treatments are not recommended as a direct replacement for blood thinners or other forms of medication, they can help to improve circulation, reducing the risk of deep vein thrombosis, a post-surgery health risk in patients requiring prolonged bed rest.

Scar tissue prevention

HbOT helps to promote normal healing, reducing the formation of scar tissue and adhesions.

Heightened immune system response

Post-surgery patients can experience a compromised immune system, leaving them vulnerable to infections.

HbOT treatments stimulate cell activity to promote recovery and improve the body’s ability to fight infection.

Managing pre- and post-surgery health risks with HbOT

In this blog, we have outlined managing pre- and post-surgery health risks with HbOT as part of a comprehensive patient management plan. It can be a valuable tool in reducing certain risks, improving healing, and promoting faster recovery.

Dave recently visited Oxify’s Retford Centre with his mum, who is recovering from knee surgery:

“Oxify Retford has provided excellent care for my mum throughout several sessions following her recent knee surgery…

Since starting treatment, Mum has felt more energized, needed fewer painkillers, and experienced lower stress levels. She truly feels her recovery is progressing more smoothly.”

Read this review in full, along with more client reviews on Trustpilot.

You can talk to our knowledgeable team about managing pre- and post-surgery health risks with HbOT by completing our contact form. One of our friendly team members will call you back to discuss your specific case and how HbOT treatments may help . Alternatively, our Oxify branches in Leeds, Manchester, Retford, York, or Newcastle (Gateshead), offer taster sessions, so you can try before you buy! Simply choose your location and follow the on-screen instructions.

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