A Doctor Making a Difference

by: Varina Andrews

HIFU : Prostate Cancers Breakthrough

Cancer is a frightening word. But prostate cancer doesnt mean the end.

There is a breakthrough that is giving men diagnosed with prostate cancer their lives back, and next to painlessly!

When I was diagnosed with Prostate cancer in 2002, I honestly felt that my world was rapidly coming to an end. Fortunately, I discovered HIFU. My roommate at the Indiana University Hospital had undergone a standard prostatectomy two days before meand was in considerable painwhile I was walking laps around the perimeter of the 6th floor within four hours of regaining consciousness! My progress has been steadily upward ever since. Thank you for giving me my life back!"

Norman

West Chester , Ohio

What is HIFU treatment?

HIFU treatment, which is short for High Intensity Focused Ultrasound, is a state-of-the-art technology acoustic ablation technique that utilizes the power of ultrasound to destroy deep-seated tissue with pinpoint accuracy for treatment of prostate cancer. HIFU focuses sound waves in a targeted area which rapidly increases the temperature in the focal zone causing tissue destruction.

The control and precision of HIFU treatment reduces the risk of common side effects such as impotence and incontinence.

HIFU is a 1-3 hour, one-time procedure preformed on an out-patient basis under spinal or epidural anesthesia. Unlike radiation, HIFU is non-ionizing so it can be repeated if necessary without damaging healthy tissue! This means that HIFU can also be used as a salvage technique if other prostate cancer treatments fail.

What is the HIFU treatment like?

It is very important that you do not move during the HIFU procedure, therefore, after arriving at the treatment facility, you will be given an epidural anesthesia that will numb you from the waist down. You will also be given light intravenous sedation.

During HIFU treatment, the prostate specialist uses continuously updated real-time images of the prostate to map out and execute the entire treatment plan. These images show treatment progression and permit the prostate specialist to customize treatment for maximum safety and effectiveness.

The patient experiences no pain during treatment! A small probe that emits ultrasound waves directly to the prostatic tissue is inserted into the rectum. First, the prostate specialist captures real-time images of the prostate and the surrounding area. Treatment time varies depending on the size of the prostate, but generally lasts one to three hours. You may experience swelling in the abdomen as a result of the destruction of tissue, therefore a catheter is inserted and is typically worn for 2-3 weeks to make sure that the bladder can empty properly as your body heals. Most patients are able to resume a normal diet and lifestyle almost immediately! No hospital stay is required and the procedure involves no incision and no scalpel.

Immediately after HIFU there is a one to two hour recovery period at the treatment facility and then you are discharged to recover comfortably at your hotel. Your prostate specialist will prescribe some antibiotics and other medications for after HIFU, but most people dont experience any pain after the procedure. You may experience some discomfort or body aches which is normal and is temporary. Additionally, in the first one to two weeks after HIFU, you may experience very mild urinary symptoms such as frequency and/or urgency to void, which are also normal and temporary.

What are the benefits of HIFU?

• HIFU is clean energy; there is no radiation exposure to the patient, so there is no risk for weakening or damaging of cells and tissue surrounding the prostate.
• HIFU is non-surgical; therefore there is minimal blood loss and it is less invasive than other treatments for Prostate cancer.
• HIFU treatment is preformed under spinal anesthesia, thus eliminating risk associated with general anesthesia.
• It is an out-patient procedure; no overnight hospital stay is required.
• HIFU can be repeated, if necessary.
• After HIFU treatment, if needed, patients may pursue other treatment options.
• HIFU can be used as a salvage treatment for local prostate cancer recurrence.
• Studies show that HIFU preserves patient quality of life by minimizing side effects such as impotence and incontinence.

For more information on this life altering treatment visit www.drlotenfoe.com or call 1.866.876.3627

Locations

Celebration Office

410 Celebration Place Suite 203

Celebration, FL 34747

Phone: 407.566.1105

Winter Haven Office

320 1st Street North

Winter Haven , FL 33881

Phone: 863.297.9070