Does the slow compression technique of hyperbaric oxygen therapy decrease the incidence of middle-ear barotrauma?

Full Abstract

OBJECTIVE:
To note the incidence of middle-ear barotrauma following standard and slow compression during hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). The standards used were:
(1) less than 40 per cent of the cohort should develop barotraumas, and (2) the incidence of barotrauma following the slow technique should be less than that caused by the standard technique.

DESIGN:
Prospective clinical audit.

MATERIAL AND METHODS:
Forty-two consecutive patients who received either standard compression or slow compression HBOT were included. Pre- and post-treatment otoscopy (graded according to a modified Teed's scale), tympanometry, audiometry and subjective ear complaints were compared between the groups and also compared with the set standard.

RESULTS:
Significantly less middle-ear barotrauma was noted when using the slow compression technique compared with the standard compression technique (p < 0.05). The incidence of barotrauma when using standard compression failed to meet the set standard of less than 40 per cent.

CONCLUSION:
The slow compression method of HBOT proved to be both safe and superior to the standard compression technique.

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Author information

Author/s: Vahidova, D (D); Sen, P (P); Papesch, M (M); Zein-Sanchez, M P (MP); Mueller, P H J (PH);

Affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery and the, London, UK.

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article

Journal: The Journal of laryngology and otology (J Laryngol Otol), published in England. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2006-Jun; vol 120 (issue 6) : pp 446-9

Dates: Created 2006/06/14; Completed 2006/10/10;

PMID: 16772053, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 12/26/2008)

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Adult
Aged
Barotrauma - etiology; prevention & control
Ear, Middle
Female
Humans

Humans
Hyperbaric Oxygenation - adverse effects; methods
Male
Middle Aged
Prospective Studies
Wound Healing

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