Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy speeds healing for patient after scalp cancer surgery

Marsha Stautz underwent surgery to remove a large squamous cell carcinoma from the top of her head. After confirming all cancer had been removed, head and neck surgeon Mohamad Saltagi, MD, performed reconstructive flap surgery, using skin from another area of the body to close the wound.

During a follow-up appointment, doctors identified a minor infection in the flap and referred her to Alison Heidt, MD, for wound care. What Stautz did not expect was how quickly the wound would improve.

“It was quite a big wound on the top of my head,” Stautz said. “But now it’s so small.”

When Stautz was referred to the IU Health Wound Center in Bloomington, she thought she would be receiving general wound care. She was unfamiliar with hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) until Heidt and HBO nurse Tammy Baker, RN, mentioned she may be a good candidate.

“Dr. Heidt told us about it and walked me through how it would help the wound heal faster and be good for the nerves,” Stautz said. “So, they brought me back to see it, and I said, ‘Yeah, I’m willing to try anything.’”

HBO is used to treat wounds and other medical conditions by delivering 100% oxygen inside a specialized chamber.

Throughout the process, Stautz said her care team made her feel comfortable and confident during each treatment.

“I think what calms your nerves the most when you go in the chamber is that they’re right there,” she said. “I’m never in the room alone, ever, and they won’t start anything without a doctor in here.”

In addition to seeing a significant reduction in the size of her wound, Stautz said she has regained much of her energy and noticed improvements in her overall well-being and even more so in the softness and health of her skin.

Reflecting on her journey, Stautz shared she feels blessed. She was referred to the Wound Center with hopes of the best possible healing and results are showing that referral was the right choice.