Research Studies

Published research on HBOT for Pre/Post Surgical Recovery

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These publications include different levels of evidence—not necessarily clinical trials. PubMed indexing is not proof of benefit or an endorsement. Summaries are based on available PubMed abstracts, not a formal full-text quality assessment. Read the limitations as well as the findings; some papers report no benefit or potential harms.

Randomized controlled trial 2025

Effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on postoperative muscle damage and inflammation following total knee arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial. (opens PubMed in a new tab)

Zhang R; Guo H; Tang S; Zuo J; Shi X — Scientific reports

Plain English Summary

After total knee replacement, patients receiving HBOT had improvements in early muscle-damage markers, inflammation, pain, and some functional measures.

Limitations & context: The study focuses on early postoperative recovery after one type of surgery and does not establish benefit for all operations.

View on PubMed · PMID 40594255

Retrospective case-control study 2021

Perioperative hyperbaric oxygen treatment and postoperative complications following secondary breast reconstruction after radiotherapy: a case-control study of 45 patients. (opens PubMed in a new tab)

Meier EL; Hummelink S; Lansdorp N; Boonstra O; Ulrich DJ — Diving and hyperbaric medicine

Plain English Summary

Patients undergoing breast reconstruction after radiotherapy had similar complication rates across HBOT and comparison groups despite greater radiation damage in the HBOT group.

Limitations & context: Adjusted analyses suggested possible benefit, but the small nonrandomized study cannot provide definitive conclusions.

View on PubMed · PMID 34547780

Medical Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting HBOT or any treatment. Individual results may vary.