High-intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU)

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In the last few years, High-intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) has been shown to be an effective technology for treating localised prostate cancer. It can also be used to treat prostate cancers which have come back after radiotherapy treatment.

The main advantages of the treatment are that it can be carried out in the setting of a 23-hour hospital stay, and that it can be used as a salvage therapy for patients in whom radiotherapy has failed.

How it Works

Ultrasound energy directed into the prostate causes high temperatures within the prostate. These high temperatures cause the destruction of the cancer cells. Using a special scanner and computer program, damage to tissues near to the prostate is kept to a minimum, thus minimising side-effects.

The Equipment

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We use the state-of-the-art Ablatherm® device. This is widely used across Europe. It has a dedicated treatment bed and robotic arm in order to precisely map out the treatment by computer.

Technique

You will have an enema on the morning of surgery. This is to clear the bowel out and make visualisation of the prostate easier. The first step of the procedure involves a Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP). This is performed in order to reduce the time you need a catheter in after the procedure – a catheter is a tube that is inserted through the pipe of the penis to drain the bladder.

After the TURP, a special scanning probe is inserted into the rectum, and a number of measurements are taken of the prostate. We then plan the treatment using a special computer programme. The treatment then commences, with the probe firing multiple ultrasonic waves into the prostate, directed by the computer and the robotic arm. The whole procedure usually takes about 3 hours.

Side-Effects

Whilst HIFU is classed as a non—invasive treatment for prostate cancer, all treatments have possible risks and side-effects.

Frequently occurring problems

  • Temporary insertion of catheter
  • Burning, bleeding and passage of debris when urinating
  • Dry orgasm with no seminal fluid
  • Erectile dysfunction due to damage of the nerves supplying the erectile tissues

Occasional problems

  • Urinary incontinence, temporary or permanent, requiring pads or further surgery
  • Failure to completely treat the prostate cancer, requiring retreatment with HIFU or another treatment modality

Rare problems

  • Rectal injury, very rarely needing temporary colostomy and further surgery

 

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