HIFU: High-intensity focused ultrasound
Fast recovery
Outpatient procedure with quick recovery time (2-3 days)
Little to no side effects
Low risk of incontinence and impotence
Minimally invasive
No hormones, radiation or incisions
High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a very successful non-invasive treatment that uses ultrasound waves to target and destroy cancerous prostate tissue with precision, sparing nearby healthy structures. It has been used clinically for more than 20 years.
At The Focal Therapy Clinic, we use state-of-the-art MRI software to precisely target cancerous tissues with HIFU. We have lowered the risk of you losing erectile function or bladder control, to help you get back to normal life.
Want to know more? Get in touch to talk to an expert
“So I had the HIFU treatment…and the rest has been joyful and happy. I do not feel like a cancer sufferer.”
Perry Letcher
The Focal Therapy Clinic patient
Is HIFU right for me?
HIFU is a minimally-invasive treatment for men with localised, medium-to-large-volume prostate cancer in the lower part of the prostate. HIFU could be right for you if your prostate cancer is:
Early or intermediate stage
In the lower part of the prostate
Localised
Gleason score of 7 or lower
It could also be the right choice if you are on the NHS Active Surveillance protocol, and if you are keen to avoid long-time side effects from prostate cancer treatment.
Check your suitability
Success rates
HIFU has been shown to be extremely effective for controlling cancer, potency and fertility. It may have more predictable results than NanoKnife, especially in larger tumours or those located near critical structures.
Cancer control
88% needed no further treatment after HIFU
Sexual potency
90%+ had normal sexual function after HIFU
Urinary continence
98% had no problems with urinary continence after HIFU
How it works
With HIFU, high-frequency sound waves are focussed into a very tight beam that heats up and destroys living cells. It can’t pass through solid bone or air, so it’s not suitable for all kinds of cancers. It’s very effective with prostate cancer because it means that we can very accurately target the cancerous lesions and leave the healthy tissue intact.
HIFU is a non-invasive procedure, meaning there are no cuts or wounds to care for and the whole procedure is guided by 3D MRI imaging and live ultrasound to make sure it’s accurate. This reduces recovery time, so you’ll usually be home the next day, and helps you get back to day-to-day life as soon as possible.
Side effects
The side effects most commonly reported with HIFU are mild and infrequent. At The Focal Therapy Clinic, the whole team is here to you prepare for any side effects and reduce their likelihood.
On the day
When you arrive at the hospital or clinic where you’re having your treatment, your consultant will explain the procedure again to make sure you don’t have any remaining questions. Before the procedure, you might get an enema to empty your bowels. This helps us see your prostate better.
During the procedure
During HIFU, you’ll be asleep under anaesthesia, so you won’t feel anything. The HIFU probe is lubricated and targets your prostate through your rectum. A balloon protects your rectum during the treatment.
The ultrasound energy treats a small area at a time, only targeting the cancer cells and leaving the healthy tissues alone. It will take around 1.5-2 hours, plus about 30 minutes for you to wake up after the anaesthesia.
Recovery
Your recovery will vary on your age and fitness level, but we’ve found that most people can go home on the same day as the treatment. You may feel disoriented and tired for about 24 hours, due to the anaesthesia. You’ll wear a catheter for 4 to 7 days and you should have good bladder control as soon as it’s removed.
You should avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for about a week, and refrain from sexual intercourse until the catheter is removed.
Hear from some of our previous patients about their experience with HIFU.
Watch now
Any questions?
If you’ve got any questions about your prostate cancer diagnosis or want to know more about HIFU or NanoKnife, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly, knowledgeable team.
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