Description

Jishan D, Quan S, Hao Z, Yongmei T, Shasha W, Weiwei W, Yu L, Jianguo W. Saturation Diving

Decompression Treatment for Severe Type II Decompression Sickness Following Emergency Ascent.

Undersea Hyperb Med. 2026 Third Quarter; 53(3):417-422.

Introduction: Decompression sickness (DCS) is a critical concern in diving operations. Severe type II DCS,

characterized by neurological involvement, is particularly disabling and life - threatening. Traditional

decompression treatments often show limitations in severe cases. This case report highlights the

effectiveness of saturation diving decompression in the treatment of such severe DCS.

Case Report: A 33-year-old male diver experienced severe type II decompression sickness (DCS)

following an emergency ascent from a depth of 56 meters of seawater (msw) due to an underwater

explosion. The condition was characterized by coma, as well as bleeding from the nose and ears. Initial

treatment utilizing a 60 msw recompression protocol demonstrated limited efficacy, with symptom

recurrence observed during the decompression process. Subsequently, a 15 msw air saturation diving

decompression treatment was implemented, which extended the stay time at each station to facilitate

the desaturation of gas bubbles. The patient's symptoms improved significantly. Repeat MRI 4 days later

showed a ≥50 % reduction in lesion volume. The patient was discharged neurologically intact on day 11

and, at 3-month follow-up, had resumed land-based duties without sequelae.

Discussion: This case underscores the effectiveness of saturation diving decompression in the

management of severe DCS, highlighting the critical role of ultra-high-pressure recompression and

prolonged desaturation periods.

Keywords: decompression sickness; decompression tables; saturation diving; underwater hazards