High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU)

High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU)

High intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is currently undergoing clinical trials in the United States. HIFU is a noninvasive treatment that uses precision-focused ultrasound waves to heat and destroy (ablate) targeted prostatic tissue without affecting healthy surrounding tissue. It has been shown to effectively treat BPH as well as localized prostate cancer. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet approved this treatment in the United States.

In clinical trials, HIFU is performed on an outpatient basis, under anesthesia. HIFU can be repeated as necessary, and each treatment takes 1–3 hours. Following treatment, a catheter is necessary for about 1 week and most patients are able to resume regular activities within days. Impotence occurs in 1–7% of patients.
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http://www.urologychannel.com/prostate/bph/treatment_therm.shtml#laser
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