Usually, it is necessary to come into hospital the night before the HIFU treatment. This is to have an enema for colorectal preparation.

Whilst under general anaesthetic, the patient is positioned on the right side. The probe is inserted into the rectum by the surgeon. The surgeon locates the area of the prostate and calculates, using the computer, the zone to be treated. 400 to 600 shots are given to treat an area 20mm by 2mm and can take 1 to 3 hours depending on the volume of the prostate.

From previous studies on open surgery patients, seven different areas of the prostate gland have been identified to contain cancerous tissue. Therefore the whole of the prostate in the HIFU treatment needs to be targeted.

For more information please email Mrs Bev Pugh bpugh@bmihealthcare.co.uk or telephone 0115 966 2118.