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What is HIFU?
High Intensity Focused Ultrasound is the use of precision-focused ultrasound waves to heat and destroy cancerous PROSTATE tissue without affecting healthy surrounding tissue.
The ultrasound waves create enough heat to destroy the cancerous cells and treatment is continued until all the cancerous PROSTATE tissue is destroyed.
Who are the most suitable candidates for HIFU of the prostate?
HIFU is suitable for many prostate cancer patients who are seeking minimally invasive treatment instead of surgery or those who prefer not to have radiotherapy.
An important use of HIFU is for patients who fail or develop recurrence following radiation therapy.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of HIFU?
Advantages:
| 1. |
A minimally invasive procedure |
| 2. |
A short hospital stay and recuperation period |
| 3. |
Procedure can be repeated if first HIFU has failed |
| 4. |
Radiation therapy and surgery are still options if the procedure fails |
| 5. |
Urinary incontinence in less than 1% of patients |
Disadvantages
| 1. |
Erectile dysfunction can affect men after the procedure though most men will maintain adequate erections |
| 2. |
Urinary catheter required for 7-10 days post-treatment |
| 3. |
Most men will be infertile as with all treatments for prostate cancer and will experience decreased or no ejaculatory fluid |
| 4. |
In 30% of men, some urinary symptoms such as a stinging feeling when passing urine and poor flow of urine, may be experienced for up to 6 – 8 weeks |
Is there any preparation for the procedure?
Either evening before or on the morning of the procedure you need to have a bowel preparation at home. You may drink water until 2 hours prior to the procedure.
You will be admitted to hospital on the afternoon of the procedure date.
You may eat and drink as soon as you are awake and will be encouraged to walk.
Your nurse will teach you how to look after the catheter at home.
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