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In the first patients treated NIBP hose

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In the first patients treated with Ablatherm® HIFU approximately 1 in 12 experienced either Type 1 or Type 2 incontinence. Type 1 incontinence is the leakage of urine with marked straining. Type 2 is the leakage of urine with mild to moderate straining. Both types of incontinence are manageable with medications and pelvic floor exercises and, if present, last only one month on average. Fortunately, in almost all cases these types of incontinence are temporary. Recent advancements in Ablatherm® HIFU have resulted in even fewer cases of initial Type 1 and Type 2 incontinence. Importantly, there are essentially no total, severe incontinence cases (Type 3) reported unless patients have had previous radiation or surgery.

Will I be Impotent ?

Forty percent of patients retain normal erectile function after treatment. This compares favorably with patients undergoing radical surgery. In those patients specifically treated with nerve sparing techniques, erectile function is retained in over 80% of cases. In addition, the majority of patients who suffer erectile dysfunction following treatment by Ablatherm® HIFU will respond to oral medications (Viagra, Levitra, Cialis). Peer reviewed journal articles now support the use of these oral medications after treatment to enhance healing. Fortunately, many patients regain potency 6 to 12 months after treatment.

Do I Need Further Tests?

A quarterly measurement of the PSA is recommended for the first two years, NIBP hose and biannual tests are recommended in years three and four. Thereafter we recommend an annual PSA test. Three to six months after the treatment the PSA should be reduced to almost undetectable levels.

If the PSA level is undetectable, no prostate biopsy is necessary. If the PSA reading does not return to very low levels, a repeat ultrasound and biopsy can be performed. If this biopsy shows residual tumor (approximately 3% of Canadian cases), a second Ablatherm® HIFU session can be conducted. A major advantage of Ablatherm ® HIFU is that it is repeatable and does not preclude future treatment by any other treatment options. A bone scan and Cat Scan would also be ordered. If biopsies are negative but the PSA rises, additional therapy may be prescribed.

HIFU Treatment

Usually no hospital stay : – Because anesthesia is used, a short observation period is required. However this procedure is typically performed as an outpatient procedure. But, four or more night stay is recommended in the patients from foreign countries.

Precise : – The HIFU energy can be precise to the millimeter in its destruction and therefore minimize collateral damage to nearby tissue and structures.

Lower complications and side effects : – Because the treatment is precise and bloodless, there is nearly no incontinence and a low rate of impotence, 19% (October, 2007). This is true of all HIFU users, because of the clear and precise image guided throughout the therapy.

Recovery time : – NIBP hose While all these procedures have side effects, HIFU typically does not stop you from going on with your life. Because there is no cut to heal, no fatigue, and no soreness from the placement of needles, you can be back to your daily activities the next day.

Repeatable: – Radiation and Chemotherapy can only be done a certain number of times before they become toxic to the body. Surgery creates too much scar tissue to re-operate on a patient. However, HIFU destroys tissue with safe and precise heat energy. This can be done several times. A few patients have been treated up to 4 times with HIFU.

Can be used before or after other treatments : – Unlike most other procedures, HIFU can be done before or after other treatments. All treatments run the risk of having the cancer return. Most of these procedures either could not be repeated or the chances of side effects increase dramatically when mixing treatment options. In opposite, HIFU can be used before or after other treatments without increasing potential side effects.