In a remarkable medical breakthrough, Apollo Hospital Chennai has successfully used Topical Oxygen Therapy (TOT) to prevent the amputation of a 58-year-old man’s foot, demonstrating a 90% success rate in treating diabetic foot ulcers. This treatment not only preserved his foot but also set a precedent for handling complex medical cases in the region.
A resident of West Bengal, grappling with a severe and debilitating foot ulcer due to poor blood circulation, was on the brink of losing his foot. After consulting another multispecialty hospital in Chennai which advised amputation, he sought alternatives. This search led him to Apollo Hospital Chennai, where he met Dr. Sivakumar N, Senior Consultant, Podiatric Surgery.
The patient was presented with a neuroischemic ulcer, a serious condition that typically necessitates drastic measures such as below-knee amputation due to the risk of severe infection and complications. However, Apollo Hospital’s team of specialist doctors and its state-of-the-art facilities offered an alternative approach.
Dr. Sivakumar and his team employed a two-pronged treatment strategy: Surgical Debridement and Decompression, which involved meticulously removing dead tissue and relieving pressure around the wound to prepare the site for healing. Following this, for three weeks, the patient underwent TOT, a cutting-edge treatment that delivers concentrated oxygen directly to the wound. This significantly enhanced the healing process by increasing oxygen availability, reducing bacterial growth, and stimulating new blood vessel formation.
Following the treatment, the wound’s condition improved enough to allow for a split-skin grafting procedure, ultimately achieving complete wound closure. This series of treatments not only saved the patient’s foot from amputation but also significantly improved his quality of life, allowing him to walk unaided. Dr. Sivakumar N, Senior Consultant – Podiatric Surgery, shared, “By integrating Topical Oxygen Therapy with conventional surgical interventions, we are not only treating the wound but actively restoring the patient’s quality of life. This case highlights our commitment to advancing medical technology and our dedication to patient-centered care.”
Topical Oxygen Therapy (TOT) is an advanced wound healing technique that delivers concentrated oxygen directly to the wound site. This method enhances the healing process by promoting the growth of healing cells, reducing bacterial growth, and stimulating new blood vessel formation. TOT is particularly effective for wounds with compromised blood flow, such as diabetic foot ulcers and post-surgical infections, and is often used alongside standard wound care practices.
TOT has a success rate of approximately 90%, with its effectiveness influenced by factors like wound type, severity, and underlying health conditions. Apollo Hospital Chennai has successfully treated 10 cases with this procedure, demonstrating its efficacy in improving patient outcomes. Patients with chronic wounds, especially diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) and ischemic wounds that show minimal progress with standard care, are eligible for TOT. Patients with active infections in the wound area and those with uncontrolled underlying medical conditions that can impede healing are not suited to undergo this therapy. The clinician assesses the wound characteristics, medical history, and patient’s overall health to determine if TOT is appropriate.
The recovery journey with TOT varies depending on the severity and type of wound, with an average recovery time of three weeks. There is gradual wound closure and improvement in the surrounding tissue over time. TOT is used alongside standard wound care practices like debridement and proper wound dressings, which continue as part of the patient’s healing journey. Initial increased discharge from the wound may occur due to TOT’s ability to stimulate wound healing. The clinician closely monitors the wound for signs of healing. Since this therapy is topical, it carries very low systemic risk. Oxygen can promote bacterial growth; hence, it is crucial to ensure the wound is free from infection before starting TOT. Regular monitoring by the clinician is essential. Relapse is a possibility with any wound healing therapy, including TOT. Factors such as uncontrolled diabetes, poor circulation, or not following prescribed wound care protocols can influence relapse. Apollo Hospital Chennai’s experience with TOT has been positive, with no reported relapses to date.
This case elucidates Apollo Hospital Chennai’s dedication to medical innovation and exceptional patient care. It showcases our ability to transform treatment options for severe medical conditions, providing hope and improved outcomes for patients facing challenging health issues.
