General Information
High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) is a state-of-the-art acoustic ablation technique. HIFU aims sound waves at a focal zone, increasing the temperature rapidly in order to destroy prostate cancer cells with pin-point accuracy.
A probe is placed into the rectum after spinal or epidural anesthesia has been administered. This probe emits the HIFU beam. Absorption of this beam at the focal point quickly raises the temperature, thereby destroying prostate cancer cells.
The control and precision of HIFU reduces the risk of common side effects such as impotence and incontinence. HIFU takes 2-3 hours (depending on the size of the prostate) and can be performed on an outpatient basis. Unlike radiation, HIFU can be repeated if necessary, and can be used as a salvage technique if other treatments for prostate cancer fail.
