HIFU Therapy for Prostate Cancer | Asklepios Hospital Barmbek

High-intensity focused ultrasound, so-called HIFU therapy, destroys cancer cells by heating them to high temperatures. Prostate tumor shrinkage is achieved through precise ultrasound waves targeted to the specific area, while nearby organs and tissues remain intact. Asklepios reports Barmbek has treated 500+ HIFU patients and has long-standing experience with the method. The Urology Department is Northern Germany’s largest HIFU center and has performed 600+ procedures. The team describes HIFU as a precise, computer-assisted approach that can preserve adjacent healthy tissue to reduce risks such as urinary incontinence or erectile dysfunction. Their diagnostics enable focal (tumor-targeted) HIFU, which can further limit treatment to the lesion area when appropriate. The manipulation is performed through the rectum without incisions under gentle spinal anesthesia. In this case, the patient is conscious but feels nothing below the waist. If necessary, the doctor can add sedatives to relieve stress. The patient is placed on a table, and the surgeon inserts a gel-lubricated sensor into the rectum. Under ultrasound control, the doctor outlines the impact zone with an accuracy of 1 mm. Then it starts the HIFU therapy process. First, ultrasound waves heat the tumor to a temperature of up to 80-100°C, destroying cancer cells. Next, the doctor controls the process through the display, adjusting the probe position and pulse power with a joystick. The treatment duration depends on the lesion volume. Usually, it takes two to three hours. HIFU excludes the side effects of surgery: bleeding, urinary incontinence, and the recovery period is significantly shorter.