HIFU for Prostate Cancer
urology-surgery
HIFU for Prostate Cancer is available at 2 hospitals across 1 city in the Voumed network.
2 hospitals operate this technology across 1 country through the Voumed network; 1 of them holds JCI accreditation.
HIFU (High Intensity Focused Ultrasound) is a non-surgical, targeted treatment for prostate cancer that destroys diseased tissue using precisely focused sound waves, without any cut to the body. A probe placed in the back passage delivers focused ultrasound energy that heats and destroys only the cancerous part of the prostate, while sparing the healthy tissue and nearby structures as much as possible. Because it is so targeted, HIFU aims to treat the cancer while protecting urinary control and sexual function. It is mainly used for early, localised prostate cancer and for men who want a minimally invasive option.
Key takeaways
- HIFU treats prostate cancer with sound waves aimed so tightly that heat builds at one tiny spot, leaving no incision behind.
- It is considered for men whose tumour stays inside the gland, for those avoiding major surgery, and in selected cases where disease comes back after radiotherapy.
- A rectal probe works under image guidance while the system covers the mapped zone spot by spot, treating either the whole gland or only the tumour area in focal therapy.
- Anaesthesia is general or spinal, one session is usually enough, and most men leave the same day or after a brief stay with a catheter fitted for a few days.
- Mild urinary symptoms may appear early on, no treatment is free of risk, and regular follow-up with PSA blood tests tracks the result.
On this page
At a glance
- Type
- non-surgical focused ultrasound treatment
- Used for
- early-stage, localised prostate cancer
- Key benefit
- targets cancer precisely while sparing healthy tissue
- Anaesthesia
- general or spinal anaesthesia, no incision
- Where it is used
- leading accredited urology centres abroad
What it is
HIFU uses high-intensity ultrasound waves, the same type of sound energy used in imaging, but focused so tightly that they generate intense heat at a single tiny point. By concentrating energy at that focal point, the technology can destroy a precise volume of tissue deep inside the prostate without harming the tissue the waves pass through on the way. A probe inserted into the back passage sits close to the prostate and delivers the energy under image guidance. The treatment can target the whole prostate or, in selected cases, only the area containing the cancer, an approach known as focal therapy.
How it works
Under general or spinal anaesthesia, the focused ultrasound probe is placed in the back passage, close to the prostate. Using real-time imaging to map the gland and the area to be treated, the system delivers focused ultrasound pulses that heat and destroy the targeted tissue point by point until the planned area is covered. Because nothing is cut and the energy passes harmlessly through surrounding tissue, there is no surgical wound. The procedure is usually completed in a single session, and many men go home the same day or after a short stay, often with a temporary catheter for a few days.
What it treats and who it helps
HIFU is mainly used for prostate cancer that is at an early stage and confined to the prostate. It can be a good option for men who prefer a minimally invasive treatment, who wish to reduce the risk of side effects on urinary and sexual function, or who are not ideal candidates for major surgery. It is also used in some cases where cancer returns in the prostate after radiotherapy. Whether HIFU is suitable depends on the cancer's stage, location and characteristics, and a specialist reviews each case to decide if it is the best approach.
Benefits and what to expect
The main benefits are precise targeting, no surgical incision and a focus on preserving quality of life. By sparing healthy tissue, HIFU aims to lower the risk of long-term effects on urinary control and sexual function compared with more extensive treatments, though no treatment is risk-free. Recovery is generally quick, and many men return to normal activities within days. A temporary catheter is often needed for a short time, and mild urinary symptoms can occur early on. The care team arranges regular follow-up, including PSA blood tests, to monitor the result over time.
Frequently asked questions
These answers are general guidance and may vary by provider. Confirm the details with the hospital you choose.
Is HIFU surgery?
No. HIFU is a non-surgical treatment that uses focused sound waves rather than a blade, so there is no incision. A probe is placed in the back passage to deliver the energy to the prostate, and the cancerous tissue is destroyed by precisely focused heat.
Will it affect urinary control and sexual function?
HIFU is designed to be precise and to spare healthy tissue, which aims to protect urinary and sexual function better than some more extensive treatments. Side effects are still possible, and your specialist explains the individual risks based on your situation.
Is the treatment painful?
The procedure is carried out under general or spinal anaesthesia, so you do not feel pain during it. Afterwards, mild discomfort or urinary symptoms can occur for a short time and are managed by the care team.
How long does recovery take?
Recovery is usually quick, and many men return to everyday activities within a few days. A temporary catheter is often needed for a short period, and the team gives advice on aftercare and follow-up.
Can HIFU be repeated or combined with other treatments?
In some cases HIFU can be repeated or used after other treatments, such as when cancer returns following radiotherapy. Whether this is suitable depends on your individual situation, which your specialist assesses carefully.
Who is a suitable candidate for HIFU?
It is mainly suited to men with early, localised prostate cancer, and to those who prefer a minimally invasive option. Suitability depends on the cancer's stage, location and features, which a specialist reviews before recommending HIFU or another treatment.
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