High intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) at The Holly Hospital

If you are diagnosed with prostate cancer, one of the potential treatments is high-intensity focussed ultrasound (or HIFU) which aims to destroy harmful cells.

What is HIFU?

HIFU is a treatment that uses high-frequency sound waves to destroy cancerous cells. This treatment avoids invasive surgery and radiation, which reduces the risk and number of side effects.

What are the benefits of HIFU?

The are many benefits to HIFU:

• It’s a customisable treatment, meaning consultants can target only affected areas.
• It avoids any invasive surgery or radiation
• A reduced risk of side effects compared to traditional surgery
• Because HIFU is minimally invasive, it can be performed multiple times if needed

Who can have HIFU?

Your consultant may recommend HIFU only if your cancer is contained in the prostate. If it has spread to other areas, HIFU would not be possible.

It can also be used if your cancer has come back as a subsequent treatment.

What happens in a HIFU procedure?

HIFU treatments happen when you are under general anaesthetic. You will then have a catheter inserted to drain any urine away from your bladder, and a HIFU probe will be inserted into your rectum.

The ultrasound waves then travel through the rectum to the prostate to destroy cancerous cells. These waves also produce an image, so the surgeon can pinpoint exactly where to target.

Sonoblate® HIFU

The Sonoblate device is a leading technology in HIFU treatment of prostate cancer.

Sonoblate provides real-time ultrasound feedback from a fully customisable treatment, meaning ultimate precision in procedures.

Plus, with built-in patient safety features, you can be sure that you are receiving the best possible treatment, thanks to Sonoblate.

For more information about Sonoblate® HIFU and what to expect from your treatment, download our leaflet here.