Application of Whole-Body Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in the Treatment of Grade III Exposed Dog Bite Wounds

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to evaluate the therapeutic effect of hyperbaric oxygen in the treatment of grade III exposed dog bite wounds. METHOD: Fifty-two patients with grade III dog bite wounds who were seen in the emergency department of our hospital from 2017 to 2021 were selected for this research. The participants were randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group, with 26 patients in each group. The experimental group received hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), and the control group received routine treatment. The patients were followed up for three months after the treatment concluded. The wound healing rate, infection rate, and healing time were measured and compared. RESULTS: The cure rate of the experimental group (96.2%) was higher than that of the control group (69.2%). The infection rate in the experimental group (3.8%) was lower than that of the control group (30.8%). The average cure time of the experimental group (9 ± 2.7) was lower than that of the control group (11 ± 3.4). The number of dressing changes in the experimental group (4 ± 3.0) was lower than that of the control group (7.5 ± 3.5), and there was a significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: According to the results, HBOT of grade III dog bite wounds can promote wound healing, improve the cure, and reduce the wound infection rate. It should have a primary role in the clinical treatment of these wounds.