Gastroenterology

At Scottsdale Hyperbaric Center, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is available as a supportive treatment for gastroenterological conditions, particularly those resulting from radiation therapy and chronic inflammation. HBOT has been shown to promote healing in patients suffering from radiation-induced enteritis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and other gastrointestinal disorders by reducing inflammation, enhancing oxygen delivery to damaged tissues, and supporting overall gut health.

How Radiation Therapy Affects the Gastrointestinal System

Radiation therapy is a common treatment for cancers affecting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, including colorectal, anal, stomach, pancreatic, and liver cancers. While effective, radiation can cause long-term side effects that impact the digestive system and overall gut health. Many patients experience conditions such as:

• Radiation Enteritis: Inflammation of the small intestine leading to diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain.
• Radiation Proctitis: Damage to the rectum, causing pain, bleeding, and bowel urgency.
• Radiation Colitis: Inflammation and ulceration of the colon, resulting in chronic diarrhea and discomfort.
• Chronic Abdominal Pain: Persistent pain due to nerve and tissue damage from radiation.
• Malabsorption & Nutritional Deficiencies: Damage to the intestines that impairs nutrient absorption.
• Fistulas & Non-Healing Ulcers: Formation of abnormal connections between the GI tract and other organs, leading to infections and complications.

These symptoms, collectively known as radiation-induced gastrointestinal injury, can arise months or even years after radiation therapy. Chronic inflammation, scarring, and reduced blood flow to the intestines contribute to long-term digestive issues, significantly impacting a patient’s quality of life.

How Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) Supports Gastrointestinal Healing

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) has been shown to help patients suffering from radiation-induced GI injuries by:

• Reducing Inflammation: HBOT decreases swelling and inflammation in the intestines, improving comfort and bowel function.
• Promoting Angiogenesis (New Blood Vessel Growth): Increases oxygen supply to damaged tissues, enhancing healing and reducing scarring.
• Enhancing Tissue Repair: Stimulates the production of collagen and stem cells, accelerating the repair of radiation-damaged intestines.
• Supporting Microbiome Balance: May aid in restoring gut flora affected by radiation therapy and chronic inflammation.
• Preventing Complications: Helps reduce the risk of ulceration, perforation, and infections related to radiation injury.

Gastroenterology-related conditions that may benefit from Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) include:

Radiation-Induced Conditions:

• Radiation Enteritis – Inflammation of the small intestine due to radiation therapy.
• Radiation Proctitis – Damage to the rectum from pelvic radiation therapy.
• Radiation Colitis – Inflammation and ulceration of the colon after radiation treatment.

Inflammatory & Autoimmune Conditions:

• Crohn’s Disease – Chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects the digestive tract.
• Ulcerative Colitis – Chronic inflammation and ulcers in the colon and rectum.
• Microscopic Colitis – A form of colitis that causes chronic diarrhea.
• Diverticulitis – Infection or inflammation of small pouches in the colon (diverticula).

Ischemic & Vascular Conditions:

• Mesenteric Ischemia – Reduced blood flow to the intestines, leading to tissue damage.
• Ischemic Colitis – Lack of blood flow to the colon causing inflammation and injury.

Post-Surgical & Chronic Wound Healing:

• Anastomotic Leak – Leakage from surgical connections in the GI tract.
• Fistulas – Abnormal connections between the intestines and other organs.
• Non-Healing Ulcers – GI ulcers that do not heal due to poor oxygenation or chronic inflammation.

Infections & Gut Dysbiosis:

• Clostridium difficile (C. diff) Infection – Severe gut infection causing colitis.
• Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) – Overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine.
• Gastric Ulcers (H. pylori-related) – Chronic ulcers in the stomach.

Post-Chemotherapy & Digestive Recovery:

• Mucositis – Inflammation of the GI lining due to chemotherapy.
• Gastritis – Stomach inflammation caused by infections, medications, or autoimmune conditions.
• Pancreatitis – Inflammation of the pancreas.

HBOT can help by increasing oxygen delivery to damaged tissues, reducing inflammation, and promoting angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation), supporting recovery in many of these conditions.