The Procedure Step by Step

This is a step-by-step overview of what to expect during the High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) procedure,
a targeted treatment option designed to precisely address prostate cancer while preserving surrounding healthy tissue.

This explanation is designed to help you feel comfortable and well-informed about the HIFU process
and the precision and care we take to ensure the best possible outcomes.

Preparation and Positioning: After administering anesthesia to ensure your comfort, we position your body on your right side to optimize access for the procedure.

Imaging for Precision: A specialized robotic ultrasound probe is gently inserted to obtain high-resolution ultrasound images of the entire prostate gland. These images allow us to map the prostate with precise, millimeter-level accuracy.

Data Integration: Using advanced technology, we merge your MRI images and biopsy data with the new ultrasound images. This fusion helps us pinpoint the exact boundaries of the cancerous area.

Planning the Treatment: With a clear view of your prostate’s unique anatomy and the precise cancer location, we outline the specific treatment zones. Safety margins are defined around the cancer to ensure thorough treatment and minimize any chance of recurrence.

Focused Treatment: Once the planning is complete, the HIFU device automatically targets the cancer areas slice by slice. Our focus remains on treating only the necessary areas, with great care taken to protect healthy tissue around the prostate, thereby supporting optimal continence and erectile function post-treatment.

Quality Check: After the initial treatment, we immediately assess whether all targeted areas have been fully treated. If necessary, a second round of HIFU may be administered on the spot to ensure complete coverage.

Final Imaging: Post-treatment imaging allows us to visualize the ablated (treated) areas where the cancer was present, providing confirmation of treatment success.

Procedure Duration: The entire process, including setup, imaging, planning, and treatment, generally takes between 45 and 90 minutes, depending on individual factors.

Quick Recovery Period: The HIFU treatment is performed in an operating room while you are under general anesthesia. This means you’ll be completely asleep during the procedure and won’t feel any discomfort. After the treatment, you’ll have a small tube, called a bladder catheter, which is placed through the urethra while you’re still asleep. This catheter helps prevent any urinary issues that might occur immediately after treatment. The catheter will be removed within a few days. We’ll take care of this either during your hospital stay or at a follow-up visit as an outpatient. This approach helps ensure a smooth and safe recovery.