CaRi-heart technology
Revolutionary new technology to assess the risk of a serious heart condition or heart attack – many years before anything happens.
HIFU (High-intensity focused ultrasound) Focal Therapy
- Precise, minimally invasive prostate cancer focal therapy delivered by experienced teams
- Specialist technology for image guided treatment planning and delivery
- Personalised treatment approach, tailored to your needs
HIFU Focal Therapy at HCA Healthcare UK
Why choose us?
At HCA Healthcare UK, we have over 20 years of experience in these treatment techniques and have performed more focal therapy procedures than any other independent provider. Our treatments are delivered by highly experienced consultants who are recognised leaders in the field.
HIFU is highly effective at targeting localised prostate cancer. Using advanced ultrasound technology, HIFU delivers precise and targeted treatment by heating and destroying cancer cells within the prostate. This highly targeted approach means the cancer can be treated with fewer side effects, while the minimally invasive technique means faster recovery times.
If you’ve been diagnosed with prostate cancer, HIFU may be an option depending on the stage, location and characteristics of your cancer. Our expert team will carefully assess whether this treatment is suitable for you and design a personalised treatment plan based on your diagnosis and individual needs.
There are two types of HIFU focal therapy for prostate cancer.
Focal HIFU - treats only the area of cancer in the prostate, plus a small surrounding area, called a margin.
Whole-prostate HIFU - treats the entire prostate and may be recommended if cancer is found in more than one area.
Your specialist will explain which approach is most suitable for you based on your individual diagnosis.
You may have been offered HIFU treatment if your prostate cancer is contained within the prostate or, in some cases, if the cancer has returned after previous treatment such as radiotherapy. HIFU can be an option for men with localised prostate cancer who are looking for a minimally invasive alternative to surgery or radiotherapy with fewer side effects.
Your consultant will consider factors such as:
- The stage and grade of your cancer
- Where the cancer is located within the prostate
- Your general health and personal preference
HIFU is not suitable for everyone, and your care team will discuss all available treatment options with you before making a recommendation.
A study has shown that HIFU treatment can be just as effective as surgery or radiotherapy with fewer side effects. However, as with any prostate cancer treatment, HIFU can cause side effects, and these vary for every person. Side effects can include:
- Temporary urine symptoms, such as needing to pass urine more often or difficulty passing urine
- Urinary tract infections
- Erectile dysfunction, particularly after whole-prostate treatment
HIFU treatment is usually carried out under a general anaesthetic, so you’ll be asleep and won’t feel anything during the procedure. It typically takes one to two hours.
During treatment:
- A small probe is placed into the rectum to deliver focused ultrasound energy to the prostate
- The ultrasound energy heats and destroys the cancer cells
- HIFU can cause the prostate to swell so a urinary catheter is usually required for a few days to help you pass urine while the swelling goes down.
HIFU is usually carried out as a day case procedure meaning you’ll go home on the same day, you’ll need to return to have your catheter removed, your care team will discuss these arrangements with you before you leave.
Unparalleled experience and expertise
We have over 20 years of experience in focal therapy, carrying out more treatments than any other independent provider, delivered by the consultants who lead this field.
Advanced technology for precise treatment
State-of-the-art HIFU planning and treatment designed to precisely target prostate cancer with fewer side effects.
Coordinated support throughout your care
Carefully planned treatment with expert support before, during and after your treatment.
What to expect
From your first appointment and throughout your treatment we want you to feel informed, supported and reassured.
Knowing what to expect can help you feel more at ease. While every treatment plan is individual, most HIFU procedures follow a similar process. If you have any questions at any point, please speak to your care team.
01
Assessment and preparation
Before treatment, you’ll have an MRI scan so that the team can carefully plan and carry out your treatment. You’ll also attend a pre-treatment appointment and will be given simple instructions on how to prepare, such as bowel preparation the day before your procedure.
02
Your HIFU procedure
HIFU is carried out under a general anaesthetic, so you’ll be asleep throughout. Your consultant will place a small probe into your rectum to deliver focused ultrasound energy which heats and destroys the cancer cells in the prostate.
03
Immediately after treatment
After the procedure, you’ll wake up in the recovery area and be monitored by the team. The procedure can cause your prostate to swell, so a temporary urinary catheter is put in place to help drain urine while the swelling goes down.
04
Recovery and follow up care
Most people go home the same day, with the catheter remaining in place for a short period - usually a few days. Your care team will let you know when to come back to have your catheter removed. After this you’ll have follow-up appointments, including PSA blood tests and sometimes scans, to check how well the treatment has worked.
05
Managing side effects
Some temporary side effects, such as urinary symptoms or changes in erections, are common and often improve over time. Your specialist team will monitor your recovery closely and provide support to help you manage any side effects.
Where can I get HIFU treatment?
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Harborne Hospital
Mindelsohn Way B15 2TQ Birmingham
Accessing private health care
Self-pay
You don’t need health insurance to be seen quickly. If you’re looking for a diagnosis or treatment and don’t want to wait, all of our private healthcare services – from private GP appointments through to surgery and aftercare – can be paid for as and when you need them.
And to give you peace of mind from the start, we’ll give you a clear and transparent quote outlining exactly what’s included in your self-pay package.
HIFU therapy FAQs
No. HIFU is a minimally invasive treatment that uses focused ultrasound energy to destroy cancer cells in the prostate. It does not involve surgical incisions or external radiation, which can mean fewer side effects and faster recovery times. It’s not suitable in every case, but our experts can review your diagnosis and recommend the most suitable treatment for you, this includes consideration of HIFU and other focal therapy treatments.
Recovery varies from person to person, but most men can return to normal daily activities within a few days. A urinary catheter is usually needed for a short time while any swelling to the prostate goes down, your care team will guide you through recovery and follow-up.
HIFU is a highly effective treatment for early prostate cancer, it is most beneficial for prostate cancer that is focused in one area of the prostate but can be used to treat localised cancer that has not spread beyond the prostate. It can also be effective in treating prostate cancer that has returned after previous radiotherapy treatment. Your consultant will explain how well the HIFU treatment is expected to work in your specific case and whether additional or future treatment may be needed.
Yes. If prostate cancer returns after HIFU, other treatment options such as surgery or radiotherapy may still be possible. Your consultant will discuss all available options as part of your ongoing care.
No. HIFU is not suitable for all types of prostate cancer. It is usually considered for men with cancer that is contained within the prostate, or in some cases prostate cancer that has returned after radiotherapy. Your specialist team will assess whether HIFU is right for your diagnosis and make a treatment recommendation.