The HIFU procedure, which stands for High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound, is a specialized treatment used for certain types of prostate cancer. Before the procedure begins, the patient is given general anesthesia to ensure they are asleep and do not feel any pain. Once the patient is comfortably under anesthesia, the doctor carefully inserts an ultrasound probe into the rectum. This probe helps create detailed images of the prostate gland, allowing the medical team to see its structure clearly.
From the images obtained, the doctors create a three-dimensional model of the prostate.
This model is crucial because it helps them accurately determine the exact location, size, and shape of any tumor present. With this information, the medical team can plan the treatment precisely.
Next, using a specialized HIFU system, the doctor creates a detailed treatment plan.
Once this plan is finalized, the robotic-controlled ultrasound probe is positioned and activated. The probe sends high-energy sound waves directly at the tumor. These focused sound waves generate intense heat, which effectively destroys the cancerous cells. Importantly, the heat is targeted only to the tumor, meaning that the surrounding healthy tissues are minimally affected, which helps preserve important functions like urinary and sexual health.
After the procedure is complete, the doctor may place a temporary urinary catheter into the bladder.
This is done because the treatment can cause some swelling in the prostate, making it difficult for the patient to urinate on their own. The catheter allows the bladder to drain and helps reduce swelling. The catheter is typically removed after one to two weeks, once the swelling has subsided and the patient can urinate without assistance.
Following the HIFU treatment, the patient undergoes regular follow-up appointments.
These include checking the patient’s prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, which can indicate whether the cancer is still present or has been successfully treated. In some cases, an MRI scan of the prostate is conducted to get a detailed look at the tissue. Additionally, a prostate biopsy may be performed to confirm that the tumor has been completely destroyed by the treatment.
One of the key benefits of the HIFU procedure is that it is minimally invasive.
Unlike traditional surgical methods, it does not require any incisions or a lengthy hospital stay. The treatment is performed under anesthesia, and most patients can return home the same day. Also read Hifu Treatment in Singapore for more information.
Another advantage of HIFU is that it is designed to target only the specific areas of the prostate that contain cancer cells.
This careful targeting helps minimize damage to healthy tissue, which may lead to better long-term urinary and sexual function in patients compared to other treatment options.
The HIFU procedure is generally recommended for patients with early-stage prostate cancer that is classified as low- to intermediate-risk.
For a patient to be a suitable candidate, the tumor must be clearly visible on an MRI scan. Additionally, the cancer must be confined to the prostate and must consist of prostate gland cells, as confirmed by the medical team.
When it comes to side effects, most patients experience mild and temporary symptoms following the HIFU procedure.
These symptoms usually include difficulty in emptying the bladder, a sudden and urgent need to urinate, and the presence of blood in the urine. These side effects typically resolve on their own within four to six weeks.