HIFU treatment for Prostate Cancer in Orlando Florida with Dr. Sarat Sabahrwal
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High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) for Prostate Cancer
High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) is a minimally-invasive ablation which can be used for cases of localized (contained) prostate cancer. Ultrasound waves are focused with extreme precision instantly and effectively destroying the targeted cells within the prostate. The ultrasound waves are delivered via a probe which is inserted into the rectum. The duration of the HIFU procedure is one to three hours and can be performed under general or spinal anesthesia.
The procedure requires only a short hospital stay (usually outpatient procedure) and has a low complication rate. The prostate tissue will be destroyed by the thermal effect of HIFU (temperature rising to 85°C), therefore there is no radiation involved.
Who can undergo HIFU?
Our patients who are diagnosed with prostate cancer can discuss if HIFU is an option with our Board Certified Urologist.
Are there reasons why, or circumstances in which HIFU procedure is not a possible option?
Almost none – this type of procedure is not the most appropriate for men with very large prostates but if the prostate is slightly enlarged, a TURP (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate) can be performed to reduce the size of the gland so that the HIFU procedure is made possible. In some cases, HIFU is not recommended for men who have experienced hardening of the rectal wall due to previous cancer treatments.
Is HIFU FDA approved?
The first treatment was performed in 1993 and the latest generation of Ablatherm HIFU device was given market approval for Europe (CE) in 2005 and for the USA (FDA) in 2015. As of 2015, over 45,000 patients have benefited from Ablatherm HIFU in 250 centers across the world.
How does HIFU work?
Our urologist uses the HIFU device to ablate prostate tissue.
The urologist inputs a treatment plan into the computer which then controls and aims the ultrasound waves. These are focused with extreme precision onto the targeted cancerous cells in the prostate, causing a very brief rise in temperature (around 85° C). The targeted tissue is then instantly and effectively destroyed, while the surrounding tissue is preserved.
Is the HIFU procedure painful?
The procedure itself is not painful as it is carried out under spinal anesthetic (epidural) or general anesthetic. Pain at the end of the treatment is rare, although most patients feel a slight rectal discomfort which disappears after a few days. The procedure is minimally invasive so there are no wounds and patients do not experience the burning sensation often associated with radiotherapy.
What happens after treatment?
Most patients can go back to eating normal food the evening after treatment and are discharged from the hospital the same day. Medication may be prescribed after HIFU to prevent any infection of the urethra or bladder.
What long-term follow up is required?
Usually PSA levels are checked every three months and a biopsy may be undertaken six months after treatment.
The Benefits
The ablation of prostate tissue with High Intensity Focused Ultrasound is an option with many advantages:
- Non-invasive procedure
- Destruction of the cancerous tissue with minimal effect to the surrounding organs
- Does not use radiation
- Can be performed under spinal anesthesia
- Can be performed in one session
- Requires only a short stay in hospital
Contact
If you have been diagnosed with prostate cancer and want to learn more about the HIFU treatment for Prostate Cancer contact our office to schedule a consultation with our Board Certified Urologist by calling (407)808-5656.