Prostate cancer is among the most common cancers in men in the world and in our country. As in other types of cancer, early diagnosis has an important place in the treatment of this disease. In recent years, HIFU, which is a non-surgical treatment method, has been used frequently in prostate cancer cases. High Intensity Focused Ultrasound- High Intensity Focused Ultrasound Waves, ie HIFU technology, is described as non-surgical, point-targeted treatment in prostate cancer. The latest version of the HIFU technology applied in the Memorial Bahçelievler Hospital can ensure that only the diseased area of the prostate is treated and the surrounding tissues are not damaged. With HIFU, risks such as urinary incontinence or sexual dysfunction are also eliminated. The duration of the HIFU process is directly proportional to the size of the area to be burned. The process, which takes an average of 1-2 hours, may take longer if the area to be burned is large.
What is the HIFU method?
Treatments such as surgery and radiotherapy are used in prostate cancer. These treatment methods may have many side effects. As a result, the High Intensity Focused Ultrasound, in short, HIFU method has been developed. However, in the first HIFU applications, the entire prostate was burned and this caused various side effects. The current version of the HIFU technology applied in the Memorial Bahçelievler Hospital, known as focal, in other words, point shot therapy, can also eliminate risks such as urinary incontinence or sexual dysfunction by ensuring that only the diseased area of the prostate is treated and the surrounding tissues are not damaged. This new device is applied only in Memorial Bahçelievler Hospital in Istanbul.
Our expert staff serving in our center:
Urology
Op. Dr. İlker Çömez
Radiology
Prof. Dr. Barış Bakır
Assist. Prof. Dr. Selim Bakan
NUCLEAR MEDICINE
Prof. Dr. Akın Yıldız
Dr. Aria Forouz
For which patients is the HIFU method suitable?
The HIFU method is mostly applied in the initial stages of prostate cancer, in small and non-spread patients. Patients for whom the HIFU method is recommended;
The HIFU method is a more suitable treatment option, as it provides an advantage in mostly young patients who do not want to have urinary problems and whose sexual life is active.
Patients with prostate cancer in early stage T1 or T2 stage,
Cancer in the initial stage,
Patients whose age or general condition is not suitable for prostate cancer surgery
Patients seeking minimally invasive treatment preferences against radical surgical treatment methods
Patients who have had previous abdominal surgeries
HOW IS HIFU APPLIED?
Prostate cancer treatment with HIFU is performed by giving the person a light dose of anesthesia. High power ultrasound waves are sent to the cancerous area of the prostate by entering through the anus with a probe. With the absorption of these, a temperature increase of 85-100 degrees occurs and only cancerous cells are destroyed. In this way, targeted treatment is achieved by preserving the healthy prostate tissue around it.
What are the characteristics of HIFU method? WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES?
It prevents sexual dysfunction and protects urine control.
In open surgeries, the patient stays in the hospital for 3-4 days. Since radiotherapy treatment takes 30 days, the patient has to come to the hospital almost every day. HIFU operation is a one-session application. Patients who undergo HIFU can return to their homes after staying in the hospital for 1 night. If the procedure is applied in the morning, patients can be discharged in the evening of the same day.
The risk of complications is low.
It can be easily applied in cases of recurrence after open surgery, closed surgery, radiotherapy or HIFU.
It provides the chance to intervene in cancer tissue without damaging the surrounding organs and tissues.
It is not exposed to the harmful effects of radiation.
Patients who are not suitable for surgery can benefit from HIFU.
Although the pain threshold varies according to each individual, the HIFU procedure is defined as a painless application.
It can be applied in elderly patients who cannot receive anesthesia.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can HIFU be used in benign prostate enlargement?
HIFU is a treatment method used only in prostate cancer.
Can it be applied at later ages?
HIFU can be applied to men of all ages with prostate cancer, depending on the patient's suitability for treatment.
Is the entire prostate destroyed by ultrasonic waves?
In the HIFU procedure, only the cancerous tissues of the prostate are targeted and the heat increase is provided only with ultrasonic waves specific to that point. In this way, the surrounding tissues are not damaged and the prostate is provided to fulfill all its functions.
Prepared by Memorial Medical Editorial Board.
25 December 2021
25 December 2021
Our health library contents have been prepared for informational purposes only and with the scientific data on the registration date. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis or treatment about your health, please consult your doctor or health institution.
