Procedures

HIFU Sonoblate 500 for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

Procedures

HIFU Sonoblate 500 for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

 

BPH treatment with focused ultrasound, without incision

HIFU Sonoblate 500 is an innovative treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) that uses high-intensity focused ultrasound to reduce the prostate tissue responsible for urinary obstruction. Performed without an incision and without inserting an instrument into the urethra, it may be an option for some men who wish to improve their urinary symptoms while helping preserve ejaculation.

Committed to providing patients with the most advanced technologies available, Les Cliniques Marois is equipped with the latest Sonablate HIFU system, the Sonablate HIFU 500, the newest evolution of this globally recognized technology.

Would you like to know whether HIFU Sonoblate 500 for BPH is an option for you? Our urologists assess your prostate, urinary flow and symptoms to determine the treatment best suited to your situation.

 

Book an appointment today for a personalized assessment.

What does HIFU Sonoblate 500 treatment involve?

HIFU (High Intensity Focused Ultrasound) works according to a simple principle: ultrasound waves pass through tissues without damaging them, then concentrate their energy in a precise area of the prostate. The heat produced destroys the tissue responsible for urinary obstruction. This tissue is then gradually eliminated by the body over the following weeks. Unlike many BPH procedures, the treatment is performed through the rectum, without an incision and without resection of prostate tissue.

What are the benefits of HIFU for BPH?

  • No surgical incision
  • No instrument inserted into the urethra
  • Procedure performed in a single session
  • Quick return to usual activities
  • Ejaculation is usually preserved
  • Future treatments remain possible if necessary
  • An option for certain patients who wish to avoid a more invasive surgery

Who is a candidate for HIFU Sonoblate 500?

Treatment may be considered for men who have:
  • Persistent urinary symptoms despite medication
  • Intolerance to BPH medications
  • A small or medium-sized prostate
  • A desire to preserve ejaculation
  • An anatomy that is favourable on ultrasound
A specialized consultation remains essential to determine whether HIFU is the best treatment in your case.

How is a prostate HIFU treatment performed?

A specialized probe is inserted into the rectum. It first allows the prostate to be visualized by ultrasound, then directs the ultrasound waves precisely toward the targeted areas. The procedure generally lasts between 45 and 90 minutes.

Is HIFU treatment painful?

The treatment is performed under spinal or general anesthesia. After the procedure, some patients temporarily experience burning during urination or frequent urges to urinate during the healing period.

When do results appear?

Unlike some surgeries that provide immediate relief, HIFU results appear gradually. Improvement usually occurs over several weeks as the body eliminates the treated tissue.

Will I keep my ejaculation?

Preservation of ejaculation is one of the main potential benefits of HIFU. Because the treatment can spare the bladder neck, the risk of retrograde ejaculation is generally lower than with a traditional transurethral resection.

Is a urinary catheter necessary?

Yes. A urinary catheter is usually left in place for a few days to support proper healing and allow the bladder to empty normally during the immediate post-procedure period.

What are the possible side effects?

The most commonly observed side effects are:
  • Burning during urination
  • Frequent urges to urinate
  • Blood in the urine
  • Blood in the semen
  • Urinary tract infection
  • Temporary urinary retention
These effects are usually temporary.

What are the risks of HIFU treatment?

As with any treatment, HIFU involves certain risks, including insufficient symptom relief, recurrence of urinary obstruction, narrowing of the urethra or, more rarely, erectile difficulties.

Can HIFU treatment be repeated?

Yes. HIFU does not close the door to future treatments. Depending on how the situation evolves, a second treatment or another intervention for BPH may still be considered.

Is HIFU preferable to Rezum or prostate surgery?

No treatment is superior in every situation. The best choice depends in particular on the size of the prostate, the severity of symptoms, your personal priorities and the desired results. A consultation with a urologist makes it possible to compare the different options available.

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Preoperative recommendations for HIFU Sonoblate 500 treatment

To help ensure that your procedure goes smoothly and to reduce the risk of complications, certain preparation steps are required. 

Before your treatment
  • Urine test to rule out an active urinary tract infection.
  • Assessment of urinary flow, post-void residual urine and prostate volume.
  • Review of your medication with your urologist.
  • Temporary discontinuation of anticoagulants or antiplatelet medications according to the instructions you will receive.
  • Rectal enema on the morning of the procedure to optimize ultrasound image quality and treatment.
  • Antibiotic administered before the procedure to reduce the risk of infection.
On the day of the procedure
  • Follow the fasting instructions you have been given.
  • Arrange for someone to accompany you home.
  • Bring an up-to-date list of your medications.
  • Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.

Postoperative recommendations after HIFU Sonoblate 500 treatment

Recovery after HIFU treatment is generally quick, but some temporary symptoms are normal during the healing period.

Urinary catheter
A urinary catheter is usually left in place for approximately 3 to 5 days after the procedure.
During this period:

  • Maintain good hydration.

  • Make sure the drainage bag remains below bladder level.

  • Contact the clinic if the catheter stops draining or if you experience significant pain.

Activities

  • Office work can generally be resumed after a few days.

  • Avoid intense exercise, cycling, weight training and strenuous effort for approximately two weeks.

  • Gradually increase your activities according to your comfort level.

Hydration
We recommend drinking plenty of fluids during the first few weeks to help eliminate treated tissues and reduce urinary irritation.
Normal symptoms after treatment
It is common to observe:

  • Temporary burning during urination.

  • Frequent or urgent urges to urinate.

  • Blood in the urine.

  • Blood in the semen.

  • Variable urinary flow during the first few weeks.

When should you seek prompt medical advice?
Contact your medical team if you experience:

  • Fever above 38.5 °C.

  • Significant chills.

  • Complete inability to urinate after catheter removal.

  • Heavy bleeding with persistent clots.

  • Significant pain not relieved by the medication prescribed.

Results and follow-up
Improvement in urinary symptoms is usually gradual. Unlike some prostate surgeries that provide immediate relief, HIFU works gradually as the body eliminates the treated tissue. Continued improvement may be observed over a period of 6 to 12 weeks.
A follow-up appointment is planned to assess your urinary flow, symptoms and recovery progress.

Contact usTo learn more about available treatments

Would you like to make an appointment, or do you have any questions? Write to us and we will get back to you as soon as possible!

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