Radiation cystitis (bladder) and proctitis (prostate) result from the damaging, gradual effects of radiation therapy months, even years, after treatment for cancer. These delayed effects of radiation injuries are difficult to treat with conventional treatment and need intervention with non-invasive and natural hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Hyperbaric medicine has reported the most consistent results with overall healing in resolving symptoms and reversing radiation damage with no adverse effects.

HyOx Medical Treatment Center, Atlanta’s premier outpatient facility for the sub-specialty of hyperbaric medicine, treats these complications with evidence-based, non-invasive hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Double board-certified and Atlanta “Top Doc” Dr. Richard W. King, Jr. prescribes 100 percent oxygen as a drug (+) under pressure in Georgia’s largest hyperbaric chamber to supersaturate the body. The treatments increase the body’s tissue oxygen content by1,000 to 1,500 percent to advance healing.

The air we breathe is comprised of 21 percent of oxygen - life’s most essential nutrient for good health and healing. Without adequate oxygen in the body because of injury or disease, complications from cancer like radiation cystitis and proctitis may occur. Breathing oxygen at a pressure equivalent to up to 45 feet below sea level delivers the power and energy needed to expedite healing. The delayed effects of radiation injury in pelvic and prostate cancers are approved and covered by Medicare and most third-party insurances for hyperbaric oxygen therapy. . Self-referrals welcome.

RESOLVE RADIATION CYSTITIS SYMPTOMS

The endothelial damage and decreased blood flow and oxygenation to the pelvic tissues because of radiation therapy for pelvic malignances causes injuries ranging in severance and occurrence. A small percentage of patients may experience complications such as gross hematuria, necrosis of vessel walls, fistula formation, and ischemia including persistent pain due to a loss of bladder muscle fibers.

Symptoms such as swelling, bleeding and pain may be controlled with medications, surgery and other procedures such as continuous irrigation. Adding hyperbaric medicine heals the cause by targeting the triggers and source of radiation cystitis and proctitis to counter the infection and soft tissue injuries.

Patients with radiation cystitis and proctitis benefit from hyperbaric oxygen therapy by its ability to:

• Deliver high concentrations of oxygen to the body to repair the damaged blood vessels and tissue prior to surgical interventions such as cystoscopy, fulguration, cystectomy, resections and diversions, perineal flaps, and anastomosis.

• Diminish/resolve pain and blood in the urine.

• Hyper-oxygenate tissues prior to surgical intervention and post to expedite healing.

• Stimulate the growth of new blood vessels (angiogenesis) which helps reverse radiation damage.

• Decrease swelling to allow better blood flow to injured areas to help resolve adverse symptoms.

• Resolve other symptoms without prolonged use of medications. (Pain and anti-coagulation medications may be contraindicated in complications like hematuria – blood in urine.)

• Strengthen white blood cells to kill any bacteria.

WHEN TO CALL HYOX (678-303-3200) OR SUBMIT AN ONLINE REFERRAL/REQUEST FOR INITIAL CONSULT:

• Immediately, when symptoms present. (Self referrals welcome or ask your urologist to refer to HyOx for an initial consultation.)

• Pre-surgery in the previously radiated area to target the infection and soft tissue injury to promote more viable tissue and continuing treatment post-surgery to expediate healing and reduce complications like infection and non-healing wound.

Richard W. King, Jr. MD, FAAPMR, CWS, UHM, Medical Director

Hyperbaric medicine supersaturates the body with 100 percent oxygen to create new pathways for oxygen to get to the places the body needs it the most. The healing mechanisms of hyperbaric oxygen therapy resolves radiation cystitis/proctitis symptoms and reverses the effects of radiation injury.