The effect of hyperbaric oxygen on different phases of healing of ischaemic flap wounds and incisional wounds in skin

Several studies have revealed a positive effect of treatment of ischaemic wounds and flaps with hyperbaric oxygen. We studied the effect of 100% oxygen (2.4 ATA) for 90 min daily on different phases of healing ischaemic and normal incisional wounds in rats. Hyperbaric oxygen on day 0–3 significantly increased almost all the force parameters of ischaemic flap wounds by 41–57% after 10 days of healing. On the other hand, when the treatment was continued until day 9 the positive effect on the wound healing was abolished. Furthermore, when hyperbaric oxygen was given on days 4–9 there was a tendency towards a decrease in the biomechanical parameters. Hyperbaric oxygen had no effect on the healing of normal incisional wounds.