Before HIFU Treatment
The night before your HIFU procedure, you will be given two enemas
that are administered 2 hours prior to the procedure. It is very
important that you do not move during the HIFU procedure, therefore,
after arriving at the treatment facility, you will be given an epidural
(spinal) anesthesia that will numb you from the waist down. You
will also be given light intravenous sedation.
During HIFU Treatment
The patient experiences no pain during treatment. A small probe
that emits ultrasound waves directly to the prostatic tissue,
is inserted into the rectum. First, the physician captures real-time
images of the prostate and the surrounding area. Treatment time
varies depending on the size of the prostate, but generally lasts
one to three hours. You may experience swelling in the abdomen
as a result of the destruction of tissue, therefore a catheter
is inserted and is typically worn for 2-3 weeks to make sure that
the bladder can empty properly as your body heals. Most patients
are able to resume a normal diet and lifestyle almost immediately.
No hospital stay is required and the procedure involves no incision
and no scalpel.
After HIFU Treatment
Immediately after HIFU there is a one to two hour recovery period
at the treatment facility and then you are discharged to recover
comfortably at your hotel. The doctor will prescribe some antibiotics
and other medications for after HIFU, but most people don't experience
any pain after the procedure. You may experience some discomfort
or body aches which is normal and is temporary. Additionally,
in the first one to two weeks after HIFU, you may experience very
mild urinary symptoms such as frequency and/or urgency to void
(the compelling urge to urinate, along with discomfort in your
bladder), which are also normal and temporary
FAQ |
