Question 1

What is a HIFU treatment?

Accepted Answer

High-intensity focused ultrasound or HIFU is a noninvasive treatment in which focused ultrasound waves are used to thermally ablate a portion of tissue. This intense heating targeted on the tissue results in tissue coagulation necrosis, cavitation and heat shock in the cells. It is a painless procedure.
The doctor uses an ultrasound transducer, which is similar to those used for diagnostic imaging, but with a much higher level of energy. This transducer allows the focusing of sound waves and generate heat at a single point in the body. The target tissue is destroyed due to this heat as it can go up to 150 &deg;F in just 20 seconds. 
This process can be repeated multiple times to achieve the desired results and successfully destroy the target tissue. The doctor also uses MRI images to plan the treatment and monitor the level of heating during the procedure. HIFU is most widely known for treatment of certain tumors such as prostate cancer, but it has also been used for some aesthetic treatments.

Question 2

How does the treatment with HIFU works?

Accepted Answer

HIFU treatment works by focusing the sound waves on the targeted region to ablate or destroy it, such as the cancer cells. The sound waves heat up the tissue and the temperatures can go as high as 90 C or 194 F. This can kill cancer cells within a few seconds.
The imaging systems such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound images are used to locate the tumor before the procedure, so that the sound waves can be pointed accurately. In real time, these images help the doctor keep a track of heating of tissue.
The sonication (sound energy) in HIFU creates the heat which aids in the treatment. As each sonication heats only a small focal target, it is a targeted and precision technique. The doctor may use multiple sonication to ablate the whole region or tumor.

Question 3

What happens in a HIFU Procedure?

Accepted Answer

The treatment process depends on the need for treatment and the location of the target tissue. HIFU has been approved by the FDA to remove prostate tissue, mostly needed by people with benign prostate hyperplasia. It usually takes 1 to 4 hours to remove the enlarged tissue from the prostate. The patient has to undergo an enema to completely empty the bowels and advised to eat or drink anything for 6 hours prior to the operation.
The procedure is generally performed under anesthesia and the patient doesn\'t feel any pain during the treatment. The doctor uses a small tube called a catheter, which is and guided through the head of the penis and into the bladder to direct and collect the urine during (and some days after) the procedure. Then, an ultrasound probe, a small instrument similar to those used for prostate biopsies, is put through the rectum.
The probe uses sound waves which helps create an image of the prostate on the computer and enable the doctor to locate the target tissue. The doctor then guides and directs the sound waves to the targeted region and heat up the tissue. The focused sound waves goes through the rectal wall and into the gland. The doctor also uses MRI images to keep track of the treatment.

Question 4

What can be expected after the treatment?

Accepted Answer

HIFU is an outpatient treatment. After the procedure, the patient is usually shifted to a recovery room where a medical team keeps them under observation till the anesthesia wears off. 
Most patients can go home the same day after the treatment, but sometimes a longer stay might be required based on their health status and the complete treatment plan. The catheter typically remains for a week. The medical team schedules an appointment for the follow-up and remove the catheter within a week.

Question 5

What are the advantages of HIFU?

Accepted Answer

This method has various benefits of this treatment, including:

Non-invasive
No surgical incision involved
Lesser risk and complications than open surgery
No use of ionizing radiation
Faster recovery time
More precision and accuracy

Question 6

What are the potential side effects of HIFU?

Accepted Answer

HIFU is considered a relatively safe treatment and has fewer side effects than many other invasive treatments for prostate cancer. Some men have reported having trouble getting an erection, but this usually improves with time.
The doctor may prescribe certain medicine to help with this temporary problem while they regain their ability. Some men also experience trouble while peeing or may leak urine, and this also improves with time and full recovery.
Other potential side effects include pain in the region between the testicles and rectum, but it can be normally managed with medication. There might also be a risk of having blood in the urine, urinary infection, and an infection in the testicles. The patients are advised to call or inform the medical team in case of severe symptoms such as pain and infection.

Question 7

What is the HIFU cost in Istanbul?

Accepted Answer

HIFU in Istanbul is offered by many top hospitals. The overall cost may vary depending on the complete treatment plan (for the cancer), targeted region and other factors such as the hospital choice, doctor&rsquo;s experience, need of other treatments and more.
However, the best hospitals in Turkey offer reasonably priced and affordable healthcare packages which significantly reduces the treatment cost, especially when compared to Western countries. To know the precise cost of HIFU Istanbul, send your medical reports to us at care@lyfboat.com. 
As an accredited platform we ensure safe and reliable care at the best HIFU hospitals in Turkey. Our team of experts assist and aid the patients and their companions at every step of the process, by providing multiple professional medical opinions, comparative costs and other services.

Best HIFU Hospitals and Cost in Istanbul

Choose from 13 best HIFU hospitals in Istanbul

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Top HIFU Hospitals in Istanbul

About HIFU

Average HIFU Cost

PMC Turkey

Asya International Hospital

Emsey Hospital