Surgical point shot treatment for prostate cancer: HIFU

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world and in men in our country. As in other types of cancer, early diagnosis has an important place in the treatment of this disease. HIFU, which is a non-surgical treatment method, has been frequently used in prostate cancer cases in recent years. High Intensity Focused Ultrasound- HIFU technology is described as non-surgical, point-targeted treatment in prostate cancer. The latest version of HIFU technology applied in Memorial Bahçelievler Hospital can ensure that only the diseased area of the prostate is treated and the surrounding tissues are not damaged. Risks such as urinary incontinence or sexual dysfunction are also eliminated with HIFU. The duration of the HIFU process is directly proportional to the size of the area to be burned. The procedure, which takes an average of 1-2 hours, may extend if the area to be burned is large.

What is the HIFU method?

Treatments such as surgery and radiotherapy are used in prostate cancer. These treatment methods may have many side effects. As a result, the High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) method was developed. However, in the first HIFU applications, the entire prostate was burned, which produced various side effects. The current version of HIFU technology applied in Memorial Bahçelievler Hospital, which is referred to as focal, that is, pinpoint treatment, can eliminate risks such as urinary incontinence or sexual dysfunction by ensuring that only the diseased area of the prostate is treated and the surrounding tissues are not damaged.

Our expert staff serving in our centre:

Urology

• Dr. MURAT BİNBAY
• Dr. İlker ÇÖNEZ

Radiology

• Dr. Barış Bakır
• Dr. SELİM BAKAN
• Dr. Özdil Başkan

Nuclear medicine

• Dr. Akın Yıldız
• Dr. Aria Forouz

Which Patients are Eligible for HIFU method?

The HIFU method is mostly used in the early stages of prostate cancer, in small and non-spread patients. Patients for whom HIFU method is recommended;

• HIFU method is a more appropriate treatment option as it provides an advantage in more young patients who do not want to experience urinary problems and have an active sexual life.
• Patients with early-stage prostate cancer, i.e. T1 or T2,
• The cancer is at the initial stage,
• Patients whose age or general condition is not suitable for prostate cancer surgery
• Patients seeking minimally invasive treatment over radical surgical treatment methods
• Patients who have had abdominal surgeries before   

How to apply?

Prostate cancer treatment with HIFU is performed by administering a light dose of anesthesia to the person. High power ultrasound waves are sent to the cancerous area of the prostate by entering the anus with a probe. With the absorption of these, there is a temperature increase of 85-100 degrees and only cancerous cells are destroyed. In this way, the surrounding healthy prostate tissue is preserved and targeted treatment is performed.

What is the feature of the HIFU method? What are the advantages?

• It prevents sexual dysfunction and protects urine control.
• In open surgeries, the patient is hospitalized for 3-4 days. Since radiotherapy treatment lasts 30 days, the patient has to come to the hospital almost every day. HIFU procedure is a one-session application.

Patients who underwent HIFU can return to their homes after 1 night of hospitalization. If the procedure is performed in the morning, patients can be discharged in the evening of the same day. 

• The risk of complications is low.
• It can be easily applied in cases of relapse after open surgery, closed surgery, radiotherapy or HIFU.
• It gives the chance to intervene in cancer tissue without damaging the surrounding organs and tissues.
• No harmful effects of radiation are exposed.
• Patients who are not eligible for surgery can benefit from HIFU.
• Although the pain threshold varies according to each individual, HIFU procedure is defined as a painless application.
• It can be applied in elderly patients who cannot receive anesthesia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can HIFU be used in benign prostate enlargement?

HIFU is a treatment method applied only in prostate cancer.

Can it be applied at a later age?

HIFU can be applied to men of all ages with prostate cancer according to the patient's suitability for treatment.

Is the entire prostate being destroyed by ultrasonic waves?

In the HIFU procedure, only the cancerous tissues of the prostate are targeted and only the temperature is increased with ultrasonic waves specific to that point. In this way, the surrounding tissues are not damaged and the prostate is ensured to perform all its functions.

Prepared by the Medical Editorial Board. Our health library contents have been prepared for informational purposes only and with the scientific content on the registration date. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis or treatment about your health, please consult your doctor or health institution.