Frequently asked questions
If you still have a question after reading these questions and looking at our site, please contact us.
What is Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)?
The Navy Hospital's Hyperbaric Unit utilises a multiplace hyperbaric chamber, located at the Royal New Zealand Navy Hospital, to administer 100% oxygen at greater than atmospheric pressure. This allows higher concentrations of oxygen to be delivered to body tissues than is possible breathing room air at sea level.
Hyperbaric oxygen, administered in appropriate situations, can encourage tissue healing, the formation of new blood vessels (neovascularisation), and control certain types of bacterial infections.
HBOT is a supplemental therapy and is generally used in conjunction to other medical or surgical treatments.
Return to topWhat conditions can be treated?
The Navy Hospital's Hyperbaric Unit follows the internationally accepted guidelines of indications laid down, and reviewed, by the Undersea & Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS) through its committee on Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. The committee recommends HBOT for:* Healing of selected problem wounds such as diabetic ulceration; * Repair of damage to skin and/or bone from radiotherapy (radionecrosis); * Preservation and neovascularisation of compromised skin grafts and flaps; * Adjunctive treatment of refractory bone infection (osteomyelitis); * Adjunctive treatment of gas gangrene, and other necrotising infections; * Adjunctive treatment of soft tissue crush injury, compartment syndrome, and acute traumatic tissues ischaemias;* Adjunctive treatment of thermal burn injuries; andAdjunctive treatment of acute carbon monoxide poisoning.Also, HBOT is used to treat the following diving related injuries:* Air or gas embolism; and * Decompression Sickness (DCS).
Return to topWhat cannot be treated with HBOT?
Over the years HBOT has been used to treat a large number of medical conditions without validated success. Some of these conditions include cerebral palsy, epilepsy, chronic fatigue syndrome, multiple sclerosis, migraine, soft tissue sporting injuries, and brain injuries to name just a few. Unless validated, peer-reviewed research becomes available, such treatment is considered investigational and experimental.
At the Navy Hospital's Hyperbaric Unit, we restrict our practice to those indications approved by the Undersea & Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS). HBOT for non-established conditions should be reserved for peer-reviewed researchers, utilising internationally accepted standardised protocols, under international observation, with the intention of promoting a high standard in academic research.
Return to topHow often is treatment required?
Most of the treatment indications named above require a series of treatments as part of the treatment prescribed by your doctor or specialist. A single treatment usually lasts around two hours, and most conditions require a minimum of 20 daily treatments usually run during the working week. However, this can vary between individuals, and the number of treatments required is usually determined on an individual basis.
Return to topHow do I get HBOT?
Most patients are referred by their specialist; often they are referred by their general practitioner. Don't hesitate to discuss the option of HBOT with your doctor, or feel free to contact us directly for advice.
Return to topHow much does HBOT cost?
The cost of HBOT depends on the number and type of treatments.
The Navy Hospital's Hyperbaric Unit can also provide a wide variety of other services including specialist wound care and full nursing inpatient hospital care.
Therefore cost is usually uniquely tailored to individual needs. Please call, or ask your specialist to call, for an estimate of the cost for treatment tailored to your needs.
Return to topWhat are the risks?
Not everyone is suitable for HBOT, so before starting treatment we will assess you fully. This usually requires a complete medical examination by our clinical specialist, and includes investigations such as a chest X-ray, ECG, lung function testing, and tissue oxygen studies if indicated.
The risks with HBOT are few, and treatment is considered very safe. During your medical assessment you will have a detailed explanation of the treatment you will receive, and you will have plenty of opportunity to ask questions. No treatment is given without your informed consent.
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