Applications of hyperbaric oxygen for the otolaryngologist--head and neck surgeon.

In the last 10 years, the use of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) in clinical medicine has increased dramatically. Despite its controversial beginnings, it has won acceptance as a treatment for specific diseases in both medical and surgical patients. The purpose of this article is to familiarize the otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeon with the currently accepted applications of HBO and to present some promising investigational uses of this therapy.