High intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is one of the procedures used by Miami urologist Dr. George Suarez for treatment of prostate cancer which hasn’t spread outside the prostate gland.
HIFU heats and destroys cancer cells in the prostate by sending pulses of ultrasound waves through the wall of the rectum into the prostate gland, causing the prostate cells to heat up. The heat destroys both cancer cells and normal prostate cells, so the treatment is concentrated on the prostate gland to avoid damaging surrounding areas.
What are the advantages of HIFU Prostate Cancer Treatment?
- HIFU creates fewer risks than surgery, so it might be fitting for men who are experiencing other health problems.
- Your hospital stay is less than 24 hours.
- HIFU may be a possibility if the cancer comes back after treatment with radiotherapy, but this isn’t typical with all treatments.
Before the HIFU treatment: If you have an enlarged prostate gland, your Miami urologist may perform hormone therapy to shrink it before starting the HIFU procedure. You may be administered a general anesthetic so that you are not awake during the treatment. Or you might have an epidural so that you’re awake but can’t feel anything in your lower body.
After HIFU treatment: Usually, patients can return home the same day. Patients may experience pain in the area between the testicles and rectum but pain-relieving drugs will be prescribed.
After an HIFU procedure, the patient will have regularly scheduled appointments with your Miami urologist to monitor your PSA level and any side effects.
Your PSA will typically reach its lowest level a few months following treatment.
If your PSA doesn’t fall or if it starts to rise again, your Miami urologist may perform a biopsy to determine if there are cancer cells in the prostate gland. He may also perform scans to determine if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
If you want more information regarding HIFU for prostate cancer treatment call the office of best Miami urologist Dr. George Suarez today to schedule a confidential consultation.
