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How is HIFU performed?
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Patients are assessed prior to HIFU with an transrectal ultrasound to measure prostate volume, and to check for calcification within the prostate.
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Sonablate 500 HIFU |
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Dr Royce treating a
patient with HIFU |
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- Patients are admitted on the day of the HIFU treatment
- The bowel is cleared with Picolax oral prep, taken at home in the 24 hours prior
to admission.
- HIFU is performed under general anaesthesia, with the patient positioned in lithotomy (on the back with the legs supported)
- Videocystoscopy is performed to examine the lower urinary tract and prostate.
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The HIFU probe is inserted into the rectum and ultrasound images of the prostate,
seminal vesicles, bladder, rectum and urethra are used to target the HIFU treatment
onto the prostate gland.
- HIFU treatment is then commenced and prostate tissue is ablated in 3 stages. The procedure can take 3 hours to complete depending on prostate volume/size.
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During the treatment, the rectum is cooled down to prevent overheating and rectal fistula formation.
- At the completion of HIFU treatment a urethral catheter is inserted to drain urine
any small tissue particles from the ablated prostate.
- Most patients stay overnight, however some prefer a day stay procedure.
- The urinary catheter is removed 5-10 days later in the Urology suite.
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