Otolaryngology

At Scottsdale Hyperbaric Center, we offer Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) as an adjunctive treatment for patients undergoing otolaryngology (ENT) procedures, particularly those involving head and neck surgery. By increasing tissue oxygen levels, HBOT accelerates healing, reduces complications, and improves the overall recovery process. This treatment is especially beneficial for conditions such as osteoradionecrosis, necrotizing anaerobic infections, and ischemic facial flaps. Additionally, HBOT can aid in the management of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL).

How HBOT Benefits Otolaryngology Patients

HBOT provides numerous benefits for patients undergoing otolaryngology treatments or suffering from ENT-related conditions. Here’s how it works:

• Osteoradionecrosis of the Mandible: Radiation therapy, often used to treat head and neck cancers, can damage the bones in the jaw, leading to osteoradionecrosis. HBOT helps by enhancing oxygen delivery to affected tissues, promoting bone repair, and reducing the risk of infection.
• Necrotizing Anaerobic Wound Infections: These infections, which are particularly concerning in the head and neck region, thrive in low-oxygen environments. By increasing oxygen levels in tissues, HBOT helps to inhibit bacterial growth, enhance white blood cell activity, and accelerate healing, reducing the risk of complications.
• Ischemic Facial Cutaneous Flaps: After surgery, ischemic facial flaps may fail to heal properly due to inadequate blood supply. HBOT improves oxygenation to these areas, promoting faster tissue regeneration and better graft survival.
• Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSNHL): For patients experiencing SSNHL, a condition where hearing loss occurs suddenly without a known cause, HBOT has shown potential in improving outcomes. By increasing oxygen to the inner ear, HBOT helps restore function to damaged tissues and may reduce the degree of hearing loss.

How HBOT Works in Otolaryngology

HBOT involves breathing 100% oxygen in a pressurized chamber, which increases oxygen levels in the blood plasma. This enhanced oxygenation supports various bodily functions, such as:

• Accelerated Healing: By promoting oxygen delivery to damaged tissues, HBOT speeds up healing, especially in areas with compromised blood flow.
• Anti-Inflammatory Effect: HBOT reduces inflammation, swelling, and edema, which is particularly useful in reducing post-surgical complications in head and neck surgeries.
• Improved Immune Function: Oxygen enhances white blood cell activity, helping the body fight infections and prevent complications, especially in high-risk wound areas like the head and neck.
• Collagen Production: The increase in oxygen encourages fibroblast activity and collagen production, which is vital for tissue repair and wound healing.