THE TREATMENT OF PELVIC SOFT-TISSUE RADIATION NECROSIS WITH HYPERBARIC-OXYGEN

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the therapeutic effects of hyperbaric oxygen on radiation-induced soft tissue necrosis in patients who previously received treatment for a gynecologic malignancy. STUDY DESIGN: Fourteen patients whose necrotic wounds failed to heal after 3 months of conservative therapy were enrolled in a prospective observational study. Outcome of hyperbaric oxygen treatment was measured by resolution of necrosis. RESULTS: Fourteen patients underwent 15 courses of hyperbaric oxygen treatments. All those with radiation necrosis of the vagina alone or in association with rectovaginal fistula had complete resolution of necrosis with hyperbaric oxygen. Only one treatment failure occurred. CONCLUSION: Hyperbaric oxygen is a safe, effective, and well-tolerated treatment for radiation-induced soft tissue necrosis.