Hyperbaric oxygenation and wound healing.

The purpose of this article is to review literature related to hyperbaric oxygenation and wound healing. The article discusses the role of oxygen in wound healing, as well as the effects of hyperbaric oxygenation to promote wound healing, and focuses on the use of hyperbaric oxygenation to treat foot wounds in patients with diabetes. A review of salient literature to support the use of hyperbaric oxygenation as a viable adjunct to healing foot wounds in patients with diabetes is provided. In addition, this article discusses appropriate patient selection for treatment with hyperbaric oxygenation. A discussion of the hyperbaric treatment, including preparation of the patient, contraindications, adverse effects, and treatment protocols, is provided. This article was designed to provide WOC nurses with information to provide appropriate referrals to technology that promises to increase the healing potential of foot wounds in patients with diabetes and subsequently reduce amputations in this population.