Advantages of HIFU Prostate Cancer Treatment
HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) offers several benefits for patients with prostate cancer:
Minimally Invasive
HIFU is truly a minimally invasive procedure. There are no incisions, cuts, stitches or needles involved, except for a small needle in your hand to administer anesthesia.
Targeted Treatment
Focal HIFU precisely targets cancerous areas in the prostate while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues, nerves, and muscles, preserving vital functions.
Quick Recovery
Patients usually experience a short hospital stay, with some returning home the same day. Pain medications are rarely needed after the procedure. Most patients can resume normal activities within a few days.
Lower Risk of Side Effects
Compared to surgery or other standard treatments, HIFU has a significantly lower risk of causing erectile or urinary complications.
Flexible Treatment Options:
Repeatability: HIFU can be repeated if cancer recurs after the initial procedure.
Future Treatment Possibilities: Other treatments, such as surgery or radiotherapy, remain viable options even after HIFU.
Salvage-HIFU: If prostate cancer returns after radiotherapy, HIFU can also be used as a salvage / secondary treatment.
Safe Alternative for Patients Unsuitable for Surgery
For prostate cancer patients who cannot undergo surgery due to co-morbidities, previous abdominal surgeries, or other health-related concerns, HIFU offers a highly effective and minimally invasive treatment option. HIFU significantly reduces the risks associated with surgery, particularly for individuals with complex medical conditions. This approach minimizes complications and avoids the challenges of prolonged recovery often associated with surgical interventions. For patients where surgery represents a major risk or is simply not desired, HIFU provides an advanced, non-invasive solution, a patient-centered option tailored to prioritize safety and effectiveness.
Disadvantages of HIFU Treatment
Limited Availability
HIFU is a highly specialized treatment available at only a few centers, and Hospital CUF Descobertas stands out as the only facility in Portugal with a dedicated team of experts. Due to its limited availability, patients may need to travel to our hospital not only to access this cutting-edge technology but also to benefit from the specialized expertise of our dedicated team.
Suitability
Not all patients are candidates for HIFU. Factors such as the size, type, and location of the prostate cancer can influence whether this is the best treatment for you. Our team of specialists will guide you toward the most appropriate treatment for your individual case, even if it means recommending alternatives.
Risk of Cancer Recurrence
Since HIFU does not remove the prostate, there is a possibility of new cancer developing in untreated areas or a recurrence in the treated area. However, HIFU can be repeated in such cases, or alternative treatments can be pursued.
Potential Side Effects
While HIFU may still cause side effects, including erectile dysfunction or urinary issues, it has a much lower risk of complications compared to other prostate cancer treatments.
The likelihood and severity of these complications are generally lower with focal HIFU than with whole-prostate HIFU.
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