HIFU for BPH
HIFU for BPH is a minimally invasive treatment option for men with urinary symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate.
HIFU stands for high-intensity focused ultrasound. It uses focused ultrasound energy to heat and treat targeted prostate tissue. For BPH, the goal is to reduce urinary blockage caused by the enlarged central portion of the prostate, while helping preserve urinary and sexual function.
At University Urology Associates, patients may be assessed to determine whether HIFU for BPH is the right treatment based on their symptoms, prostate anatomy, urinary function, prior treatments, and treatment goals.
HIFU for BPH Through an Experienced Prostate Team
University Urology Associates team has more than 20 years of hands-on experience using HIFU technology.
We were the first centre in North America to deliver HIFU for the focal treatment of localized prostate cancer over 20 years ago. Since then, thousands of patients have been treated using HIFU. That experience is now being applied to the treatment of BPH.
The quality of HIFU treatment depends on careful patient selection, precise planning, and the experience of the treating team.
How HIFU Works for BPH
HIFU uses focused ultrasound energy to heat and treat the targeted prostate tissue.
For BPH, the energy is directed toward the part of the prostate that contributes to urinary obstruction. The goal is to reduce blockage and improve urinary flow.
Unlike many BPH procedures that are performed through the urethra, HIFU is delivered transrectally. This means the treatment energy is directed through the rectum toward the targeted prostate tissue, rather than passing treatment instruments through the urinary channel.
Treatment planning is based on the patient’s prostate anatomy, urinary symptoms, urinary function, and the location of the obstructing tissue.
Who May Be a Candidate for HIFU for BPH?
HIFU for BPH may be considered for men with bothersome urinary symptoms caused by prostate enlargement who want to explore treatment beyond medication.
It is not suitable for every patient. The right treatment depends on prostate size, anatomy, urinary function, previous treatments, and treatment goals. Some men may be better suited to medication, Rezūm where available, Optilume, iTind, or another BPH procedure.
The first step is to complete a pre-screening form so the team can determine whether a consultation is appropriate.
HIFU for BPH is a minimally invasive treatment that uses focused ultrasound energy to treat targeted prostate tissue. For BPH, the goal is to reduce urinary obstruction caused by enlarged prostate tissue.
HIFU may be considered for men with bothersome urinary symptoms caused by prostate enlargement. Candidacy depends on prostate size, prostate anatomy, urinary function, symptom severity, prior treatments, and overall treatment goals.
HIFU is not suitable for every man with BPH. Some patients may be better suited to medication, Rezūm where available, Optilume, iTind, TURP, HoLEP, Aquablation, or another treatment.
Rezūm is delivered through the urethra and uses water vapour energy to treat prostate tissue. HIFU is delivered transrectally and uses focused ultrasound energy to treat targeted tissue without passing treatment instruments through the urinary channel.
No. Rezūm treatment is no longer available through University Urology Associates for patients residing in Ontario because the current OHIP reimbursement structure does not cover the material, disposable, and facility costs required to provide the treatment.
Rezūm remains available through UUA to patients who reside outside Ontario.
No. HIFU can be used in different ways depending on the condition being treated.
For prostate cancer, HIFU is used to target cancerous tissue within the prostate. For BPH, HIFU is used to target benign enlarged prostate tissue that contributes to urinary obstruction.
The technology is the same, but the treatment goal, planning process, and patient selection criteria are different.
The first step is to complete the pre-screening form. Our team will review your information and advise whether a consultation is appropriate.