This is the Scientific Surgery Archive, which contains all randomized clinical trials in surgery that have been identified by searching the top 50 English language medical journal issues since January 1998. Compiled by Jonothan J. Earnshaw, former Editor-in-Chief, BJS
Systematic review of hyperbaric oxygen in the management of chronic wounds. BJS 2005; 92: 24-32.
Published: 5th January 2005
Authors: I. Roeckl‐Wiedmann, M. Bennett, P. Kranke
Background
Many therapeutic options exist for chronic wounds. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is one such option. It may be used for diabetic, venous, arterial and pressure ulcers.
Method
Following a systematic search of the literature, pooled analyses of predetermined clinical outcomes of randomized controlled trials involving the use of HBOT for chronic wounds were performed. Relative risks (RR) and number needed to treat (NNT) with 95 per cent confidence intervals (c.i.) were calculated.
Results
Six studies met the inclusion criteria. No appropriate trials were located for arterial and pressure ulcers. Pooled data from five trials on diabetic ulcers (118 patients) suggested a significant reduction in the risk of major amputation with HBOT (RR: 0·31; c.i. 0·13 to 0·71) with a NNT of 4 (c.i. 3 to 11). Sensitivity analyses did not alter the results. Ulcer healing and the rate of minor amputation were not influenced by HBOT. Data from one trial on venous ulcers suggested significant wound size reduction at the end of the treatment, but not at follow‐up.