What Happens Before A HIFU Procedure?
Before you undergo a HIFU procedure, your healthcare provider will likely ask you to have an imaging test, such as an MRI or an ultrasound.
The purpose of this test is to help your healthcare provider precisely locate the specific tissue that needs to be treated. This step is important because it allows the medical team to create a clear plan for the treatment.
Your healthcare provider will also give you detailed instructions about how to prepare for the procedure.
It is essential that you follow these instructions carefully, as they are designed to ensure the procedure goes smoothly and safely.
What Happens During A HIFU Procedure?
The way you receive HIFU treatment depends on the condition being treated.
The best way to understand what to expect is to have a thorough discussion with your healthcare team and ask any questions you may have.
In general, a HIFU procedure follows a series of steps:
You will be asked to lie down on an exam table or sit in an exam chair.
Depending on the area being treated, your provider may use a special device to keep the targeted tissue in place. For example, if you’re being treated for breast issues, they might use a device to keep the breast tissue still, while for tremor treatments, they might use a head frame to keep your head steady.
Your level of consciousness during the procedure will depend on the specific treatment you’re receiving.
Some patients are fully awake, while others may be lightly sedated or under general anesthesia. Your healthcare provider will explain which option is best for you.
Once you are positioned, your provider will use either ultrasound or MRI imaging to precisely locate the targeted tissue.
They will then place the HIFU probe in the correct position. In most cases, the probe will be positioned above or on your skin. However, for prostate cancer treatment, the probe is inserted into the rectum, and it is about the size of your index finger.
After positioning the probe, your provider will deliver a test dose of ultrasound energy to the center of the targeted tissue.
If necessary, they will adjust the power of the ultrasound based on the depth of the tissue being treated. Then, they will deliver a series of focused ultrasonic waves to the targeted tissue.
During and after the treatment, imaging tests may be used to ensure that the targeted tissue has been effectively treated.
Typically, a HIFU procedure requires only one session or a single treatment.
Risks / Benefits
What Are The Advantages Of HIFU?
HIFU offers several benefits that make it a preferred treatment option in many situations.
These include:
It does not require any surgical incisions, making it a non-invasive procedure.
It also does not use radiation, which can be beneficial for some patients.
HIFU can precisely target only the diseased tissue while leaving the surrounding healthy tissue untouched.
This helps reduce damage to nearby healthy areas. Also read Hifu Treatment in Singapore for more information.
Because it is often performed as an outpatient procedure, you can usually return to your daily routine within a few days.
The recovery time is typically shorter compared to more invasive treatments.
Compared to other treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and open surgery, HIFU tends to have fewer side effects.
What Are The Risks Or Complications Of HIFU?
HIFU is generally considered a safe treatment with a very low risk of complications.
In rare cases, it can cause skin burns, but this is uncommon.
Each use of HIFU may have different possible side effects, depending on the area being treated.
For example, the most common side effects of HIFU for prostate cancer include urinary issues and erectile dysfunction.
If you have concerns about the side effects or potential complications of HIFU treatment, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider.
They can provide you with more specific information based on your individual situation.