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High intensity focused ultrasound in benign prostatic hyperplasia
1Department of Surgery, 47 Eccles Street, Mater Misericordiae Hospital and University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland. profsurg@iol.ie
Summary
High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) offers a radiation-free treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with few complications. This novel therapy provides symptomatic improvement for BPH patients, with results maintained over the medium term.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Medical Technology
Background:
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a prevalent condition with significant patient numbers and treatment costs.
- Traditional BPH treatments like watchful waiting and surgery have limitations, including surgical side effects that deter many patients.
- Recent decades have seen an expansion in BPH treatment options, with medical management and heat-based therapies gaining prominence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate transrectal high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) as a treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
- To assess the efficacy and safety of HIFU in managing BPH symptoms and its potential in urological practice.
Main Methods:
- Transrectal high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) was investigated as a treatment modality.
- The method allows for radiation-free intervention without intra-urethral manipulation.
- Imaging during treatment and medium-term follow-up were employed to assess outcomes.
Main Results:
- HIFU treatment resulted in symptomatic improvement for BPH patients.
- The symptomatic benefits were retained with medium-term follow-up.
- The procedure involves a brief hospital stay with few post-operative complications.
Conclusions:
- Transrectal HIFU is a promising radiation-free treatment option for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
- HIFU demonstrates efficacy in symptomatic improvement and has a favorable safety profile.
- The application of HIFU is expanding in urology, including for renal, prostatic, and bladder tumors.