Treatment

High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a treatment that uses very powerful sound waves to heat and destroy cancer cells in the prostate.

It is done under a general anaesthetic, so you will be asleep for the procedure. It is usually done as a day case, meaning you do not have to stay in hospital overnight.

Preparing for HIFU

You will have a pre-assessment appointment with a nurse before your operation. At this appointment we'll let you know:

• what you should bring with you on the day of your operation
• if you should continue to take your medicines as usual
• what time to arrive
• how long you should not eat or drink (fast) for before you arrive

Asking for your permission (consent)

We want to involve you in decisions about your care and treatment. If you decide to go ahead, we'll ask you to sign a consent form. This states that you agree to have the treatment and you understand what it involves.

If you would like more information about our consent process, please speak to a member of staff caring for you.

The day of your HIFU

On the morning of your surgery you will be given an enema to clear your rectum. An enema is when we insert water into your bottom to clean your bowel. This means we can get clearer ultrasound images during HIFU.

You will be given a general anaesthetic so that you're asleep during the treatment.

When you are asleep, a urinary catheter (tube that drains pee from your bladder) is inserted. This is usually placed through the water passage in your penis (urethral catheter). Sometimes the catheter is inserted through your lower abdomen (tummy) directly into the bladder (suprapubic catheter).

The HIFU probe is inserted into your bottom by the surgeon. This allows them to see your prostate and plan your treatment. The HIFU machine moves the beam around, heating and destroying cancer cells. The treatment usually takes 1 to 2 hours.

Most patients can leave hospital 3 to 4 hours after treatment, if there is someone to escort them and stay with them overnight. Sometimes, people will need to stay overnight after HIFU if the medical team think it would be safer.