The impact of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on late irradiation injury in oral microcirculation

Background Late side effects of radiotherapy in patients with head and neck cancer (HNCPs) result in decreased tissue vascularity, a compromised healing capacity and spontaneous breakdown of tissue. The aim of this study was to examine the in vivo effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) on the microcirculation in irradiated oral tissue. Methods Using a handheld microscope, the effect of HBOT on oral mucosal microcirculation parameters was measured in 34 previously irradiated HNCPs prior to HBOT and at 4 weeks and 6 months posttreatment. Results A significant increase in mean buccal vessel density and decrease in buccal vessel diameter was found 6 months after HBOT compared to baseline, 22 +/- 11 versus 25 +/- 7 cpll/mm(2) (p < 0.05) and 20 +/- 4 versus 16 +/- 5 mu m (p < 0.05), respectively. Conclusion Our results indicate that oral microcirculation histopathology associated with irradiation is able to respond to HBOT by redirecting oral microcirculation parameters towards values consistent with healthy tissue.