What Side Effects Should I Expect After HIFU For Prostate Cancer?

High-intensity focused ultrasound, or HIFU, is a widely used approach for treating certain types of prostate cancer and has a number of compelling benefits to offer, including being minimally invasive and boasting a relatively short recovery period. In addition, the majority of patients treated with HIFU experience few side effects, which are typically mild and temporary. At Kasraeian Urology in Jacksonville, FL, board-certified urologists Drs. Ahmad and Ali Kasraeian are highly experienced in treating even the most complex cases of prostate cancer and are committed to offering the most cutting-edge and convenient therapies available today. Below you’ll find more information about what side effects you may experience after HIFU, including frequent urination or difficulty voiding, and how long they may last.

How is HIFU used to treat prostate cancer?

HIFU therapy for prostate cancer is performed using general anesthesia to ensure the patient’s comfort and may take up to 2 – 4 hours to complete. To begin, an ultrasound probe is inserted into the patient’s rectum. The end of this probe is equipped with a transducer, which allows Dr. Kasraeian to precisely measure the distance between the probe and the target treatment area. Using this measurement, appropriately sized high-intensity sound waves are emitted through the rectal wall to heat and destroy the cancerous tissue without damaging the surrounding structures.

Does HIFU cause any side effects?

Because HIFU is minimally invasive and does not require incisions, sutures, or radiation, most men enjoy a comfortable recovery with very few side effects. Some of the most common potential side effects of HIFU prostate cancer therapy include:

• Frequent urination
• Burning on urination
• Difficulty voiding
• Decreased erections
• Blood per rectum
• Prostatitis

Fortunately, serious side effects or complications with HIFU are exceedingly rare.

Even when side effects do occur after HIFU therapy, they are usually mild and resolve on their own within about 4 – 6 weeks and – in most cases – much sooner.

Who is a candidate for HIFU prostate cancer treatment?

HIFU is most often used to treat prostate cancer in patients who either have a small amount of low-grade prostate cancer present or those men who have had a previously failed course of radiation therapy. During your initial consultation for prostate cancer treatment in Jacksonville, FL, Dr. Kasraeian will review your medical records and imaging studies, explain all of your available options at great length, and answer any questions you may have. With a comprehensive range of therapies and technologies available at Kasraeian Urology, our knowledgeable team will help you choose the most appropriate course of treatment for you.

Prostate cancer treatment doesn’t have to disrupt your life. Consider HIFU therapy in Jacksonville, FL

If you have early, low-stage, or low-volume disease, you may be a candidate for HIFU prostate cancer treatment. To learn more about the exciting benefits of this convenient treatment, including its relative lack of potential side effects, call Kasraeian Urology in Jacksonville, FL to schedule your private consultation with board-certified urologists Dr. Ahmad Kasraeian and Dr. Ali Kasraeian today.