Overview
HIFU, a non-surgical treatment method, is widely used in the treatment of prostate cancer. HIFU technology, which uses high-intensity ultrasound waves, is applied as a point-targeted treatment without surgery in prostate cancer.
This method is seen as a more suitable treatment option for young patients who do not want to have urinary problems and who have an active sexual life.
With the widespread use of screening tests, the incidence of prostate cancer has been increasing in recent years.
Prostate cancer is the second most common type of cancer in men and can be successfully treated thanks to early diagnosis. High-intensity localized ultrasonography, or HIFU technology, has been used in the treatment of prostate cancer in recent years.
With this technology, only the cancerous tissue and its surroundings can be treated without destroying the entire prostate. Urinary incontinence and erection problems can be seen after prostate surgery.
Especially in young patients, this can lead to financial and moral problems. Since there is no need to completely remove the prostate with HIFU technology, the incidence of these problems is also reduced. In open surgeries, patients stay in the hospital for 3-4 days.
Radiotherapy treatment takes 30 days. The patient has to come to the hospital every day. The HIFU procedure, on the other hand, is a one-session procedure and patients stay in the hospital for only one night. Since the harmful effects of radiation are not exposed and the surrounding tissues are not damaged, the complication rate is also low.
For which patients is the HIFU method more suitable?
The HIFU method is mostly applied in the early stages of prostate cancer, in small and non-invasive patients, as well as in patients whose age or general condition is not suitable for prostate cancer surgery, those who prefer minimally interventional treatment against radical surgical treatment methods, and patients who have had previous abdominal surgeries.
How is HIFU being applied?
Prostate cancer treatment with HIFU is done by giving a light dose of anesthesia. High-power ultrasound waves are sent to the cancerous area of the prostate by entering the anus with a probe.
With the absorption of these, there is an increase in temperature of 85-100 degrees, so only cancerous cells are destroyed. In addition, targeted treatment is carried out by protecting the healthy prostate tissue around the cancerous tissue.
HIFU prevents sexual dysfunction as well as provides urinary control. The application takes one session. Patients can return to their homes after staying in the hospital overnight. When the procedure is applied in the morning, patients can go home in the evening of the same day.
The risk of complications is also low, as it provides the chance to interfere with the cancer tissue without damaging the surrounding organs and tissues. Patients are not exposed to the harmful effects of radiation.