Your HIFU Journey: Before, During & After Treatment
Choosing treatment for prostate cancer is a significant decision. Understanding what to expect can make that decision feel clearer – and far less daunting.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to what happens before, during and after your HIFU treatment.
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Before HIFU: Assessment & Planning
HIFU is carefully planned and highly personalised. Before treatment, you will have:
A detailed consultation with your consultant urologist
Review of your PSA history
Multiparametric MRI scan
Prostate biopsy results assessed
Discussion of all treatment options
Not every man is suitable for HIFU. Careful imaging and clinical evaluation help ensure the treatment is both safe and effective for your specific cancer. If HIFU is appropriate, your procedure will be precisely mapped using imaging guidance to identify the exact area requiring treatment.
You’ll also receive clear instructions on how to prepare for the day of your procedure.
During HIFU: What Happens on the Day
HIFU is performed under a general anaesthetic – meaning you will be asleep for the duration of the procedure.
The procedure involves:
• A specialised ultrasound probe placed gently in the rectum
• Real-time imaging to visualise the prostate
• Focused ultrasound energy delivered to the targeted area
There are no external incisions and no surgical removal of the prostate. The procedure typically takes a few hours, depending on the size and location of the area being treated. Because HIFU is minimally invasive, most patients are able to return home the same day or shortly afterwards.
Immediately After Treatment
It is normal to experience:
• Mild urinary discomfort or burning
• Temporary urinary frequency and urgency
• A small amount of blood in urine
A temporary catheter is usually required for a short period to allow the prostate to settle. Your team will provide detailed aftercare instructions and a clear plan for catheter removal.
Recovery is generally quicker than after radical prostate surgery.
Most men can resume light activities within days, but it’s usually advised to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for a short period.
Longer-term, it's essential to attend follow-up PSA monitoring appointments, as with any prostate cancer treatment plan. This is an essential part of recovery: PSA levels are monitored over time to ensure the treatment has been effective.
Your consultant will discuss what PSA changes to expect and what long-term monitoring involves.
Potential Side Effects of HIFU
As with all medical treatments, HIFU treatment carries risks. Possible side effects can include:
• Temporary urinary symptoms (frequency, urgency, burning)
• Urinary retention (difficulty passing urine), sometimes requiring a catheter for longer
• Erectile dysfunction
• Urinary tract infection
However, because HIFU targets specific areas of the prostate, the risk of long-term incontinence may be lower compared to full gland removal in carefully selected patients. Your individual risk profile will always be discussed in detail before treatment.
Specialist-led care at every stage
From initial assessment to long-term follow-up, your care is consultant-led. Mr Keval Patel offers private HIFU treatment at HCA The Harborne Hospital, with patients travelling from across the UK for specialist prostate cancer care.
Clear communication, careful planning and personalised treatment are central to every stage of the journey.
Book your HIFU consultation today
Frequently Asked Questions
HIFU (high-intensity focused ultrasound) is a minimally invasive treatment that uses precisely targeted ultrasound energy to heat and destroy prostate cancer cells. It is typically used for localised prostate cancer and may be delivered as focal therapy, treating only the cancerous area rather than the entire prostate.
HIFU is most suitable for men with localised prostate cancer that is clearly visible on MRI and confined to a specific area of the prostate. Suitability depends on PSA levels, Gleason score, imaging results and overall health. A specialist consultation is essential to determine eligibility.
HIFU is available in some NHS centres but may not be routinely offered everywhere. Access can depend on regional policies and individual clinical circumstances. Many patients choose private treatment to access specialist-led HIFU more quickly.
HIFU and surgery are different treatments. Surgery removes the entire prostate, while HIFU can target only the cancerous area. For suitable patients, HIFU may reduce the risk of certain side effects, but surgery may be more appropriate for higher-risk or more extensive cancers. The right choice depends on individual clinical factors.
As with any prostate cancer treatment, recurrence is possible. Ongoing PSA monitoring and follow-up imaging are essential. In some cases, further HIFU or alternative treatment may be recommended if cancer returns.
Private HIFU treatment with consultant urologist Mr Keval Patel is delivered at HCA The Harborne Hospital in Birmingham. Patients travel from across the UK for specialist prostate cancer care.
The cost of private HIFU treatment in the UK varies depending on clinical complexity and hospital fees. A personalised quotation is provided following specialist assessment. Your consultant can explain what is included in your treatment package.