HIFU: ultrasound destruction of prostate cancer

It is the main method for patients older than 75 years, or with severe comorbidities

High intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is suitable for men who are at risk for radical prostatectomy. It may also be suitable for men with cancer recurrence – second tumor following other treatments. Method is not recommended for patients who has history for rectal surgery. In this case, there is a possibility of rupture of the intestinal wall and the appearance of fistulas.

HIFU is more effective in the case of small prostate size.  If the prostate size is large than 30 cc, transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) or laser enucleation of prostate (НоLEP/ТhuLEP) is performed before HIFU.

HIFU destroys tumor cells by thermal exposure through focused sound waves

As a magnifying glass acoustic lenses are used to achieve the necessary intensity at the target tissue.

Department of Urology at Sechenov University was the first clinic, which performed HIFU for treatment of prostate cancer.  For ultrasound ablation we use Ablatherm® Robotic HIFU (France) (the latest generation) which is the best in its class.

Minimal invasiveness is the advantage of ultrasound ablation

Non-malignant tissue in and around the organ unaffected by the ablation. There are no complications of surgical intervention such as intraoperative bleeding and postoperative urinary incontinence, moreover there are short hospital stay and short recovery time.

Ultrasound therapy – procedure steps

A diagnostic and ultrasound probes are introduced in the rectum without incision. The doctor observes the operating field through the display, the joystick on the control console adjusts the position of the probes and the power of the ultrasonic pulses. The software helps the surgeon to accurately influence cancer cells without damaging the surrounding structures.

Patients undergoing HIFU treatment are given a spinal anesthetic. Duration depends on the volume of the tumor, usually it takes two to three hours. At the end of procedure a urethral catheter is installed, it would be removed a week later. Hospitalization is two to three days.

Cost of HIFU-ablation of prostate cancer

We carry out HIFU-therapy for Russian citizens free due to high-tech assistance channel. Usually, there are no problem with obtaining quotas for HIFU. Our doctors will help you fill out the necessary documents. The cost of operation through paid medical services is around 100 thousands rubles. It is less than in other foreign or domestic urological departments.

In our clinic more than a thousand patients, including from near and far abroad, are underwent successful treatment of prostate cancer.