HIFU Treatment for Prostate Cancer Information

Before HIFU:

• » You must follow a Clear Liquid Diet the day before the therapy.
• » Nothing to eat or drink after midnight the night before the therapy.
• » You will meet with a member of the HIFU Team to go over instructions and what to expect after HIFU. You will also be able to ask any questions you have about the procedure during the meeting.
• » You are given two enemas two hours prior to the procedure.
• » It is very important that you do not move during HIFU treatment for prostate cancer so you are given epidural (spinal) anesthesia and light intravenous sedation.

During HIFU:
After anesthesia is administered, a small probe is inserted into the rectum which directs ultrasound waves to the prostatic tissue. Next the urologist captures real-time images of the prostate and the surrounding area. Then he programs the treatment area and treatment is begun under ultrasound imaging to assure accuracy.
Treatment time varies, but generally lasts one to four hours, depending on the size of the prostate.

After HIFU
Immediately after HIFU treatment for prostate cancer, you will spend one to two hours recovering at the treatment facility and then are discharged. You may experience some swelling in the prostate as a result of the destruction of tissue, so a suprapubic catheter is inserted for 2 to 4 weeks to ensure the bladder empties properly. Patients should have their PSA checked three months after the procedure. You will receive a prescription for medications, but most patients do not experience any pain after the treatment and are able to resume a normal diet and lifestyle almost immediately after the therapy.