High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU)
High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a minimally invasive treatment that uses precise ultrasound energy to destroy targeted tissue, such as cancer cells, without the need for surgical cuts.
What is a high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU)?
High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a treatment that uses high-frequency sound waves to heat and destroy targeted areas of tissue, a process known as ablation. The ultrasound energy is focused on a small point, allowing your consultant to destroy cancer cells or abnormal tissue while keeping the surrounding healthy structures safe.
HIFU is most commonly used for prostate cancer, particularly when the cancer is:
early stage
low grade
slow growing
located clearly on MRI or ultrasound
Because HIFU targets a very precise area, it's generally only suitable when the tumour can be accurately seen on imaging and has not spread outside the treatment zone.
HIFU is also used in other areas of medicine to treat:
tumours in the liver, kidney, pancreas, bone, breast, oesophagus. and soft tissues
benign growths such as uterine fibroids
conditions, including essential tremor and Parkinson’s disease (in selected cases)
thyroid nodules
pain caused by metastatic bone disease
At Welbeck, our consultant radiologists are highly experienced in using HIFU to treat a range of conditions, including prostate cancer. Treatment takes place in our state-of-the-art outpatient Men’s Health clinic, offering privacy, comfort and advanced ultrasound technology. You’ll receive precise, targeted care with minimal disruption and excellent outcomes.
More information
Before your procedure, your consultant will carefully explain the technique, what to expect and answer any questions you have.
Most people have HIFU under general anaesthetic, although spinal anaesthetic or sedation may be used, depending on the area being treated and your medical suitability. Your consultant will discuss the best option for you.
During the procedure, a small ultrasound probe delivers the focused sound waves. These waves are directed at the tumour, heating and destroying very small areas of tissue. Each application of the ultrasound beam lasts for a few seconds and destroys an area of tissue around the size of a grain of rice. This means it can take around 2 hours to treat the entire targeted area.
The exact approach depends on the location of the tumour:
for prostate cancer, the probe is usually placed in the back passage (rectum)
for abdominal, or soft-tissue tumours, the treatment is delivered through the skin
Your consultant will use detailed imaging, usually MRI or ultrasound, to plan the treatment and guide the beam accurately.
When the procedure is finished, you’ll be able to recover from the anaesthetic in private, comfortable surroundings supported by a specialist nursing team. When you feel well enough, you’ll be able to go home on the same day. You’ll need someone to collect you if you’ve had a general anaesthetic.
The risks of HIFU depend on the part of the body being treated. Your consultant will talk you through these before your procedure, so you fully understand them.
Risks when HIFU is delivered through the back passage (most commonly for prostate cancer) may include:
bleeding
pain or discomfort
flu-like symptoms
infection
irritation or damage to the rectal wall, which can rarely result in a small hole
Risks when HIFU is delivered through the skin may include:
redness or mild burns in the treatment area
temporary pain or discomfort
very low risk of damage to nearby organs such as the bowel or bladder
Most complications are mild and temporary, and serious complications from HIFU are uncommon. Your consultant will ensure all precautions are taken to keep risks as low as possible.
Your consultant will usually arrange imaging, such as an MRI or ultrasound scan, before your treatment. This helps them identify the exact area that needs to be targeted.
Other preparation may include:
adjusting medications, especially blood-thinning medicines
fasting for a short period before anaesthesia
using a bowel preparation if needed for pelvic treatments
You’ll receive clear instructions so you know exactly how to prepare and what to expect on the day.
Recovery after HIFU depends on which area of the body has been treated and the type of anaesthetic used. Your consultant will explain what to expect following the procedure.
After treatment, it's common to feel tired for a day or so. You may experience mild discomfort, bruising or a feeling of pressure in the treated area. These symptoms are usually short-lived and respond well to simple pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.
If the treatment was delivered through the back passage, you may notice some rectal soreness or a small amount of bleeding. These usually settle within a few days. HIFU to the abdomen can leave the skin slightly red or sensitive, similar to mild sunburn.
Your consultant will explain how to look after the treated area and when to seek advice. You should avoid strenuous activity for a short period, but most normal daily activities can be resumed soon after the procedure.
Follow-up appointments will be arranged to monitor your recovery, assess the effectiveness of the treatment and plan any further care you may need.
Please contact our Men’s Health centre for pricing information.
At Welbeck, our consultants are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.
With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.
All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.
To book a high-intensity focused ultrasound, you must be referred by either your GP or a specialist following a consultation with them. Self-referrals are not accepted for this treatment.
If you would like to schedule a consultation with a Welbeck specialist, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.
Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.
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Frequently asked questions
This will depend on how your tumour responds to the treatment. HIFU can be effective as a standalone therapy for some patients, especially when the tumour is small and clearly defined. However, you need additional treatments such as surgery, radiotherapy, hormone therapy, or repeat HIFU to achieve the best long-term result. Your consultant will review your scans, monitor your progress and talk you through the most suitable next steps.
HIFU doesn’t destroy tissue instantly. Instead, the treated cells break down gradually over several weeks. Because of this, it can take a little time before you notice the full benefit of treatment. Your consultant will monitor your progress with follow-up appointments and imaging, which helps them assess how well the treatment is working and whether any further therapy is needed. Most patients start to see changes within a few weeks, with improvements continuing over the following months.
HIFU aims to target only the area of cancer, but the prostate sits close to the nerves involved in erections and ejaculation. This means some men may notice changes after treatment. A small number may experience reduced erectile strength or changes to ejaculation, although side effects are generally less common than with more invasive treatments. Your consultant will review the location of your tumour and discuss your personal risk, so you can make an informed decision about your care.
Several treatments can be considered for small, localised tumours, depending on the type of tumour and its location. Options may include surgery to remove the tumour completely, radiotherapy, or minimally invasive treatments such as cryotherapy (freezing the tissue) or radiofrequency ablation (heating the tissue using electrical energy). In some cases, active surveillance may be suitable, especially if the tumour is slow-growing and not causing symptoms. Your consultant will review your scans, discuss the benefits and limitations of each option and help you choose the most appropriate treatment for your situation.