In most cases, you’ll need to have an imaging test, like an MRI or ultrasound, before the HIFU procedure. This helps your doctor find the exact spot they want to treat.
Your doctor will give you clear instructions to follow before the HIFU procedure.
It’s important to follow them carefully.
What Happens During A HIFU Procedure?
How you receive HIFU depends on what it’s being used for.
The best way to know what to expect is to talk to your healthcare team and ask them any questions you might have.
In general, a HIFU procedure usually follows these steps:
You’ll lie on an exam table or sit in an exam chair.
The doctor may use a device to keep the area of the targeted tissue still.
For instance, they might use a device to hold breast tissue in place or a head frame to keep your head still if you’re getting treatment for tremors.
Depending on the situation, you may be fully awake, lightly sedated, or under general anesthesia.
The doctor will use ultrasound or MRI to locate the exact area they want to treat.
They’ll position the Hifu Treatment in Singapore probe so it’s directly over the targeted tissue.
In most cases, the probe will be on or just above your skin. For prostate cancer treatment, the doctor will insert the probe, which is about the size of your index finger, into your rectum.
They’ll give a test dose to the center of the targeted tissue.
If needed, they may adjust the strength of the ultrasound beams based on how deep the tissue is.
They’ll send bursts of high-energy sound waves to the tissue.
They’ll use imaging again to check if the targeted tissue has been properly treated.
Treatment with HIFU usually only needs one session.
Risks / Benefits
What Are The Advantages Of HIFU?
Some benefits of HIFU include:
It doesn’t require any cuts into your body (it’s non-invasive) and doesn’t use radiation.
It can precisely target the diseased tissue without harming healthy tissue nearby.
It’s often an outpatient treatment with a quick recovery time.
You can usually go back to work or your normal activities within a few days.
HIFU has fewer side effects than more invasive treatment options, such as:
Chemotherapy.
Radiation therapy.
Open surgery.
What Are The Risks Or Possible Complications Of HIFU?
HIFU treatment has a very low risk of complications.
In some cases, it can cause skin burns, but this is uncommon.
Each time HIFU is used, there may be different side effects.
For example, the most common side effects of HIFU treatment for prostate cancer are problems with urination and issues with sexual function.
If you’re worried about possible side effects or complications from HIFU, talk to your doctor.