X-ray image of bladder, Showing cystitis

Many men and women suffer from post radiation treatment processes. Did you know that Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy can Help?
Radiation cystitis is a recognized complication of pelvic radiotherapy. Damage from radiation treatment can either be acute (less than six months post radiation therapy) or delayed (more than six months maybe developing many years after treatment). This complication can have varying levels of irritation and functional impairment to the bladder mucosa.(1)
The Advances of Urology Newsletter states “Incidence of radiation cystitis ranges from 23% to 80% and severe cases range from 5% to 8%.” (2)

Mild symptoms: (These symptoms can resolve over time).

• Increased frequency and/or urgency to urinate, and possibly some dysuria.
• Infection showing microscopic hematuria. (see photo of hematuria below)

Chronic and detrimental symptoms:
(Late complications of pelvic radiation commonly encountered by urologists).

• Urinary incontinence.
• Gross hematuria.
• Progression of damage to the extent of fistula formation or necrotic bladder tissue.

Urology has treatment for both mild and chronic conditions which vary on the degree of symptoms.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Can Help!
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is an effective treatment for radiation-induced hemorrhagic cystitis. According to Science Direct “a leading platform of peer reviewed literature” in Urology, Volume 65, Issue 4, clinical data reports positive response rates ranging from 76% to 100%. With additional reporting of a group after eleven years where 74% of patients had no recurrence of symptoms. (3)

Seen here is Hematuria, or red blood cells in the urine.
HBOT, is a medical treatment prescribed by a physician (our Medical Director could consult with you to see if you are a good candidate for HBOT). During this consultation, our Medical Director will go over science backed protocol and contraindications.

HBOT is delivered in a special (medical grade hard metal) chamber where the patient will breathe in pure (medical grade 100%) oxygen in air pressure levels 1.5 to 3 times higher than average. The goal is to fill the blood with enough oxygen to repair tissues and restore normal body function.
In a hyperbaric oxygen environment, your lungs can gather more oxygen than would be possible breathing pure oxygen at normal air pressure.

Your blood carries this oxygen throughout your body. This helps fight bacteria and stimulate the release of substances called growth factors and stem cells, which promote healing.(4)

Overall, radiation cystitis can be detrimental to a patient’s wellbeing after already having gone through a great deal in regards to cancer treatment. Providers are becoming more aware of the drastic effects a dysfunctional bladder can have on overall quality of life.

Using HBOT, one clinical study in genitourinary medicine, observes early success “in the treatment of Fournier’s gangrene, radiation cystitis, and interstitial cystitis via the elimination of clinical symptoms such as pain.” (5)
The study further states; There are several beneficial properties of HBOT concomitant with elevated oxygen distribution in tissue including anti-inflammation, angiogenesis through vascular endothelial growth factor proliferation, augmented fibroblast activity through fibroblast growth factor proliferation, tissue and wound repair, enhancement of lymphocyte and macrophage activity, increased male testosterone secretion, and bactericidal activity.

3d microscopic rendering of Human cell or Embryonic stem cell

HBOT is very important to stem cell biology; A Penn Study shows that after a course of treatments, there is an 8-fold increase in stem cell proliferation (6), which is crucial to injury repair. (7)

Patient Obtains Relief from Post Radiation Cystitis Symptoms with HBOT

Post-Radiation Patient With Vaginal Cancer Who Couldn’t Sit, With Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Is Now Back To Living Her Best Life

We have successfully been caring for North Bay Patients for 14 years and proudly announce our newly designed award winning facility. We are conveniently located 13 miles North of the Golden Gate Bridge near beautiful San Francisco. We would love for you to come for a tour.

We charge a fraction of the cost, using the same style chambers as a hospital-based Hyperbaric unit.

If YOU or ANYONE you know, suffers from
Bladder Dysfunction following life saving medical treatments,
OR, whose quality of life may be greatly improved with HBOT, we may be able to help!

The Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society has a list of approved indications for HBO therapy, including nonhealing wounds, and late radiation injury. (8)
Please consider this remarkable medicine today.
Call us today for more information or to schedule a consultation with our Medical Hyperbaric Physician.
415-785-8652

Advanced Hyperbaric Medical Director, Jacqueline S. Chan, DO
Hyperbaric Physician is Board Certified in Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine
and Family Practice

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