Hyperbaric oxygen therapy: contraindications and complications.

The literature is replete with references regarding the use of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy to treat various human maladies. However, the oral and maxillofacial surgery literature is lacking in information regarding patient selection criteria and possible contraindications to HBO therapy, as well as possible risks and/or complications of such therapy. This article details patient selection criteria, discusses relative and absolute contraindications to HBO therapy, and describes the potential risks and complications of this therapy.