Focused prostate cancer treatment for select patients.
Health Orlando Urology offers HIFU consultations for certain prostate cancer patients seeking a minimally invasive treatment approach with precise prostate tissue ablation.
High-intensity focused ultrasound uses targeted ultrasound energy to heat and destroy selected prostate tissue. Your candidacy depends on your diagnosis, cancer location, biopsy results, PSA history, imaging, prior treatment, and long-term goals.
What is HIFU?
HIFU stands for high-intensity focused ultrasound. It is an image-guided treatment that uses focused ultrasound energy to heat and ablate targeted prostate tissue.
For prostate cancer, HIFU may be considered for select patients as part of a personalized treatment plan. It may be used as focal therapy in carefully selected localized cases or as a salvage option in certain recurrent cases after prior treatment.
Do I qualify for HIFU?
HIFU may be an option if your prostate cancer appears localized or if you have certain recurrent prostate cancer situations. Your urologist will determine whether the cancer is appropriate for focal or targeted treatment.
Factors your physician may review
- PSA history and PSA trend
- Prostate biopsy results
- MRI, ultrasound, or PSMA PET findings
- Cancer grade group and risk category
- Tumor location within the prostate
- Prior surgery, radiation, or prostate treatments
Potential candidates may include
- Men with select localized prostate cancer
- Men seeking a less invasive option than surgery
- Men who may not be ideal candidates for more aggressive treatment
- Men with select recurrent disease after prior radiation
- Men whose imaging and biopsy support targeted treatment
- Men who understand follow-up and surveillance needs
Potential advantages of HIFU
HIFU is designed to target selected prostate tissue while aiming to reduce injury to surrounding structures. This may be appealing for men who want to discuss less invasive treatment options.
No surgical incision
HIFU is performed using a probe rather than an external incision, so there are no abdominal surgical cuts.
Outpatient approach
Many patients are treated as outpatients and return home the same day after anesthesia monitoring.
Focused tissue ablation
Ultrasound energy is directed toward targeted prostate tissue based on treatment planning and imaging guidance.
Personalized treatment area
Treatment can be planned according to cancer location, prostate anatomy, imaging, and clinical diagnosis.
What to expect before and during HIFU
Your exact preparation and procedure plan will depend on your medical history, anesthesia plan, prostate anatomy, and physician instructions.
Pre-treatment review
Your physician reviews PSA results, biopsy findings, imaging, prior treatments, medications, and overall health to confirm whether HIFU is appropriate.
Preparation instructions
You may receive instructions about fasting, bowel preparation, medication adjustments, transportation, and what to expect on procedure day.
Anesthesia and catheter placement
HIFU is typically performed with anesthesia. A catheter may be placed to manage urine flow and support recovery after treatment.
Image-guided ultrasound ablation
A transrectal ultrasound probe helps guide focused energy to selected prostate tissue. Treatment time can vary depending on the treatment area and plan.
Recovery and follow-up
Many patients recover at home after the procedure. Some patients may have a catheter for several days, and follow-up is important to monitor healing, urinary function, PSA response, and cancer control.
Temporary urinary changes
Urinary frequency, urgency, discomfort, slower stream, retention, or catheter-related irritation may occur during early recovery.
Post-treatment soreness
Some patients experience discomfort between the testicles and rectum or mild pelvic soreness. Medication and aftercare instructions may help.
Erection changes can occur
Erectile changes are possible after prostate cancer treatment. Your physician can discuss risk based on treatment location, baseline function, and medical history.
PSA and imaging follow-up
Ongoing PSA testing, imaging, repeat biopsy, or additional monitoring may be recommended after treatment.
Other considerations
HIFU is one prostate cancer treatment option among several. Depending on your diagnosis, other options may include active surveillance, prostatectomy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, cryotherapy, systemic therapy, or other focal approaches.
The best treatment depends on cancer risk, life expectancy, prostate anatomy, urinary function, sexual function, personal preferences, and whether the cancer has spread. At Health Orlando Urology, your consultation is focused on helping you understand your options clearly and choose a plan that fits your medical situation.
HIFU FAQ
What is HIFU for prostate cancer?
HIFU stands for high-intensity focused ultrasound. It uses focused ultrasound energy to heat and ablate targeted prostate tissue under imaging guidance.
Who may qualify for HIFU?
HIFU may be considered for select patients with localized prostate cancer or certain recurrent prostate cancer situations. Candidacy depends on PSA history, biopsy results, imaging, tumor location, prior treatment, prostate anatomy, and overall health.
Is HIFU outpatient?
HIFU is commonly performed as an outpatient treatment, meaning many patients go home the same day after anesthesia monitoring. Some patients may need a catheter for a short period afterward.
Does HIFU avoid erectile dysfunction or urinary leakage?
HIFU may reduce certain risks for some patients compared with more aggressive treatment, but no prostate cancer treatment can guarantee no side effects. Urinary symptoms and erectile changes can still occur.
How long does HIFU take?
Procedure time varies based on the treatment plan and prostate anatomy. Many HIFU procedures take a few hours, but your physician will give you individualized expectations.
Will I still need follow-up after HIFU?
Yes. Follow-up may include PSA testing, imaging, repeat biopsy, urinary function review, and ongoing surveillance to monitor response and detect recurrence.
Medical references
This page is educational and does not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified physician. These references support the medical information above:
Find out whether HIFU may be right for you.
Health Orlando Urology provides HIFU consultations and prostate cancer treatment planning for patients in Kissimmee, Orlando, and Central Florida.