HORTIS VIII – Prophylaxis

Surgical procedures within previously irradiated tissue beds are fraught with complications. The likelihood of post-operative healing difficulties increases in concert with the duration from radiotherapy. At the root of the problem is a progressive, obliterative endarteritis. Local microcirculatory potential is compromised in the face of increased oxygen demands.

One controlled clinical trial demonstrated that preoperative hyperbaric oxygenation reduces healing complications, when compared to prophylactic antibiotics. Antibiotics were commonly applied, in the past, as mandibular radionecrosis was initially thought to be an osteomylitic process. Prophylactic hyperbaric oxygen is commonly employed today when available, and when surgical procedures are planned within facial bones. Clinicians rely on one trial, and subsequent case experience. HORTIS VIII will attempt to confirm the findings of the earlier (1985) study, which has since lacked confirmatory research.