[The value of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) in treatment of problem wounds in the area of plastic-reconstructive head and neck surgery].
BACKGROUND
Hyperbaric oxygenation therapy is presently predominantly discussed in connection with sudden deafness and tinnitus. Amongst this ongoing controversy, the primary indications of this in the middle of the 20th century established therapy, especially in regard to problem wounds in the plastic-reconstructive surgery go mainly underrated. The present paper reviews the attention towards this area in plastic surgery.


METHODS
Three typical cases (traumatic nasal tip reconstruction, wound ulceration after radiotherapy and lobe necrosis together with fistula following laryngopharyngectomy) are presented.


RESULTS
Because of protracted and complicated wound healing HBO was applied in all three cases, eventually leading to very satisfying subconsequent wound-healing. In connection with these cases, the underlying problems and the effects of HBO are discussed. SUMMARIZING: The authors conclude, that HBO primary clinical application in treatment of problematic wound healing in head and neck appears to be very effective and helpful and should not be underrated whilst discussing this therapy in different contexts.
Grundmann
T
T
Univ. HNO-Klinik, UKE, Hamburg.
Jaehne
M
M
Fritze
G
G
D000328:Adult; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D006801:Humans; D006931:Hyperbaric Oxygenation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010038:Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D010039:Otorhinolaryngologic Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D012086:Reoperation; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000502:physiology*; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology*