Summary of Study
The study “Survival Against the Odds: Successful Treatment of Incomplete Traumatic Hemipelvectomy in a 29-Year-Old Woman Following a Boating Accident“ explores the management and recovery of a young woman who suffered a life-threatening incomplete traumatic hemipelvectomy (THP). This severe injury, caused by a boating accident, required immediate hemorrhage control and complex surgical interventions. The study highlights the critical role of a multidisciplinary approach, including hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) to enhance wound healing and flap viability. The research aims to demonstrate how hyperbaric therapy supports tissue regeneration and infection control in extensive trauma cases.
Methodology
The patient was treated with an aggressive trauma protocol that included rapid transfusion, vascular control, and staged surgical interventions. Initial damage control surgery focused on stabilizing the patient and controlling hemorrhage. After limb amputation and hemipelvectomy, HBOT was introduced as part of postoperative care. Wound debridement was performed multiple times, and hyperbaric oxygen sessions were used to increase tissue oxygenation, reduce swelling, and promote healing. The effectiveness of HBOT was assessed through serial wound evaluations, tissue viability assessments, and infection monitoring.
Results
The integration of hyperbaric therapy significantly improved wound healing and tissue survival. The patient underwent multiple wound care procedures, with ECM beads and a synthetic wound matrix enhancing recovery. The hyperbaric chamber played a crucial role in preventing flap necrosis and reducing infection risks. Despite severe initial injuries and complex surgical requirements, the patient progressed toward full rehabilitation. Functional recovery was remarkable, allowing her to regain mobility with a prosthetic and successfully undergo colostomy reversal.
Conclusion
This case illustrates the life-saving benefits of HBOT in severe trauma cases like THP. By improving oxygen delivery to damaged tissues, hyperbaric oxygen therapy enhances wound healing, prevents complications, and supports functional recovery. The findings emphasize the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, early amputation in nonviable limb cases, and hyperbaric therapy as an essential tool for improving surgical outcomes. This case provides valuable insights for trauma surgeons and rehabilitation specialists in managing extensive injuries with HBOT.
Source: Survival Against the Odds: Successful Treatment of Incomplete Traumatic Hemipelvectomy in a 29-Year-Old Woman Following a Boating Accident | Smith M, Lewis J R, Bolling T, et al. (February 16, 2025) | Cureus 17(2): e79095 | DOI: 10.7759/cureus.79095
