Nicklas Oscarsson of @goteborgsuni explains oxygen in hyperbaric chamber provides relief after radiotherapy.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in the pelvic region, a study shows, can relieve self-reported symptoms and side effects of radiotherapy against cancer. Most patients reported reductions in vomiting, urinary incontinence and discomfort following 30–40 sessions in a hyperbaric chamber.
“This treatment is highly effective for the majority of the patients” states Nicklas Oscarsson, first author of the article, a doctoral student in anesthesiology and intensive care at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, and senior consultant at Angered Hospital.
Radiation therapy is part of many cancer treatment procedures for organs like the heart, cervix, ovaries, and colon. In the lower abdomen, one side effect of radiotherapy is damage to nearby healthy tissue such as the urinary tract, bladder, vagina, or rectum.
Symptoms such as frequent urination, incontinence, vomiting, and severe abdominal pain cause physical as well as social problems. These can occur several years after radiation therapy and cause chronic pain that often increases. Temporary relief of symptoms or mutilating surgery can often be offered to all of these patients.