Hifu Treatment : Prostate Cancer’s Breakthrough

Cancer is a frightening word. But prostate cancer doesn’t mean the end.
There is a breakthrough that is giving men diagnosed with prostate cancer their lives back, and next to painlessly!


"When I was diagnosed with Prostate cancer in 2002, I honestly felt that my world was rapidly coming to an end. Fortunately, I discovered HIFU treatment. My roommate at the Indiana University Hospital had undergone a standard prostatectomy two days before me…and was in considerable pain…while I was walking laps around the perimeter of the 6th floor within four hours of regaining consciousness! My progress has been steadily upward ever since. Thank you for giving me my life back!"


Norman
West Chester, Ohio


What is HIFU treatment?
HIFU treatment, which is short for High Intensity Focused Ultrasound, is a state-of-the-art technology acoustic ablation technique that utilizes the power of ultrasound to destroy deep-seated tissue with pinpoint accuracy for treatment of prostate cancer. HIFU treatment focuses sound waves in a targeted area which rapidly increases the temperature in the focal zone causing tissue destruction.


The control and precision of HIFU treatment reduces the risk of common side effects such as impotence and incontinence.


HIFU treatment is a 1-3 hour, one-time procedure preformed on an out-patient basis under spinal or epidural anesthesia. Unlike radiation, HIFU treatment is non-ionizing so it can be repeated if necessary without damaging healthy tissue! This means that HIFU treatment can also be used as a salvage technique if other prostate cancer treatments fail.


What is the HIFU treatment like?
It is very important that you do not move during the HIFU procedure, therefore, after arriving at the treatment facility, you will be given an epidural anesthesia that will numb you from the waist down. You will also be given light intravenous sedation.


During HIFU treatment, the prostate specialist uses continuously updated real-time images of the prostate to map out and execute the entire treatment plan. These images show treatment progression and permit the prostate specialist to customize treatment for maximum safety and effectiveness.


The patient experiences no pain during the HIFU treatment! A small probe that emits ultrasound waves directly to the prostatic tissue is inserted into the rectum. First, the prostate specialist captures real-time images of the prostate and the surrounding area. Treatment time varies depending on the size of the prostate, but generally lasts one to three hours. You may experience swelling in the abdomen as a result of the destruction of tissue, therefore a catheter is inserted and is typically worn for 2-3 weeks to make sure that the bladder can empty properly as your body heals. Most patients are able to resume a normal diet and lifestyle almost immediately! No hospital stay is required and the procedure involves no incision and no scalpel.


Immediately after the HIFU treatment there is a one to two hour recovery period at the treatment facility and then you are discharged to recover comfortably at your hotel. Your prostate specialist will prescribe some antibiotics and other medications for after HIFU treatment, but most people don’t experience any pain after the procedure. You may experience some discomfort or body aches which is normal and temporary. Additionally, in the first one to two weeks after HIFU treatment, you may experience very mild urinary symptoms such as frequency and/or urgency to void, which are also normal and temporary.


What are the benefits of HIFU treatment?
•HIFU treatment is “clean” energy; there is no radiation exposure to the patient, so there is no risk for weakening or damaging of cells and tissue surrounding the prostate.
•HIFU treatment is non-surgical; therefore there is minimal blood loss and it is less invasive than other treatments for Prostate cancer.
•HIFU treatment is preformed under spinal anesthesia, thus eliminating risk associated with general anesthesia.
•It is an out-patient procedure; no overnight hospital stay is required.
•HIFU treatment can be repeated, if necessary.
•After HIFU treatment, if needed, patients may pursue other treatment options.
•HIFU treatment can be used as a salvage treatment for local prostate cancer recurrence.
•Studies show that HIFU treatment preserves patient quality of life by minimizing side effects such as impotence and incontinence.