Possible application of hyperbaric oxygen technology in the management of urogenital and renal diseases

Abstract

The purpose of this report is to explore possible therapeutic use of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO₂) technology on renal and urogenital diseases. HBO₂ reduces inflammation, immunity and inflammatory cytokines, stimulates wound repair and angioneogenesis, maintains tissue oxygenation, increases antioxidant enzymes and heals tissue hypoxia and radionecrosis. A literature review of peer-reviewed articles that address HBO₂, genitourological diseases, renal disease, and dialysis was performed. The paper reviews complications of renal diseases, dialysis, clinical applications of HBO₂, and effect of HBO₂ on renal and urogenital diseases. HBO₂ was used successfully to treat calcific uraemic arteriolopathy, and in many cases of acute renal failure. This technique is particularly useful in the treatment of intractable haemorrhagic cystitis secondary to pelvic radiation therapy and Fournier's gangrene. Clearly HBO₂ might play a role in the management of urogenital diseases, urinary bladder dysfunction and diseases, testicular pathology, renal diseases, and post-traumatic ischaemic injury and/or impaired wound healing and infections. The possible role of HBO₂ for autoimmune diseases, uraemic osteodystrophy or neuropathy due to chronic renal diseases is discussed. The clinical application of this technology is expanding and the various biological influences of HBO₂ encourage testing its possible benefit in renal and urological diseases.

Keywords:

• Hyperbaric
• Urology
• Prostate
• Bladder
• Oxygen
• Kidney
• Dialysis