Receiving oxygen after an operation is common during anaesthetic recovery: the healthcare team monitors oxygen saturation and provides supplemental oxygen when needed. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a different procedure delivered inside a pressurised chamber using medical oxygen and a prescribed protocol.
Is a hyperbaric chamber recommended after every operation?
No. Hyperbaric oxygen is not part of routine recovery after every procedure and does not replace the surgeon’s instructions. It may be assessed as complementary care in selected situations, such as certain wound-healing problems, radiation tissue injury or compromised grafts and flaps.
The Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society specifically states that it is not necessary for normal, uncompromised grafts or flaps. Patient selection and identification of the underlying problem are essential.
What is reviewed before treatment is recommended?
- Procedure and progress: the type of surgery, condition of the wound and diagnosis from the responsible clinical team.
- Clinical indication: treatment must address a specific objective supported by the available evidence.
- Contraindications and safety: medical history, medication and risk factors are reviewed before pressure and sessions are planned.
- Coordinated care: hyperbaric oxygen complements rather than replaces wound care, antibiotics, surgery or specialist follow-up.
Assessment at HMCE Estepona
At HMCE we review every enquiry before suggesting a protocol. If you have recently undergone surgery and develop severe pain, bleeding, fever, breathing difficulty or sudden deterioration, contact your surgical team or emergency services first.
Further reading: UHMS indications and the FDA safety recommendations.