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.