Before and After Surgery

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy, often called HBOT, is a treatment that helps the body heal by increasing the amount of oxygen in the blood. During HBOT, a person breathes oxygen inside a special chamber where the air pressure is higher than normal. This extra pressure allows more oxygen to dissolve into the bloodstream and reach tissues that may not be getting enough oxygen, especially during times of stress like surgery.

When HBOT is used before surgery, its goal is to help the body get ready. In the days or weeks leading up to an operation, the body can be “primed” to handle stress better. At lower pressures, HBOT improves blood flow and helps reduce inflammation. It also supports the cells in making energy more efficiently. As a result, tissues become healthier and better supplied with oxygen. This preparation can make a difference when the body faces the stress of surgery, because well-oxygenated tissues tend to tolerate injury and reduced blood flow more effectively.

In some cases, HBOT may also be used in the day or two right before surgery to give an extra boost. These sessions help increase the amount of oxygen stored in the body’s tissues. This added oxygen can be important during surgery, when blood flow to certain areas may be temporarily reduced. By increasing oxygen reserves, HBOT can help tissues stay stronger and more stable during the procedure, while also supporting the immune system.

After surgery, the focus of HBOT shifts from preparation to healing. Surgical procedures can cause swelling, reduced blood flow, and areas of low oxygen in the tissues. HBOT helps reverse these effects by delivering high levels of oxygen directly to injured areas. This supports the growth of new blood vessels, helps build new tissue, and improves the body’s ability to fight infection. Patients who receive HBOT after surgery may experience faster healing and fewer complications, especially in cases where tissues are already stressed or damaged.

As recovery continues over the following weeks, HBOT can still play a helpful role. At this stage, the body is rebuilding and strengthening tissues. Lower-pressure treatments can support this process by maintaining good blood flow and encouraging healthy tissue development. This may help reduce problems such as poor healing or excessive scarring, and support a more complete recovery.

Overall, HBOT works by giving the body something it needs most during surgery and healing—oxygen. By increasing oxygen delivery before and after surgery, HBOT supports the body’s natural ability to repair itself. When used as part of a coordinated care plan under medical supervision, it can be a valuable tool in improving surgical outcomes.