High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) is a medical procedure that utilizes high-intensity sound waves to treat a wide range of conditions, including tumors. Unlike conventional ultrasound (USG), which is used for imaging internal organs, HIFU focuses ultrasound waves on specific target tissues. This technique is considered minimally invasive because it does not require any incisions, making it a more comfortable treatment option for many patients.
The way HIFU works is similar to how a magnifying glass focuses sunlight onto a single point. Ultrasound waves are precisely directed at the targeted tissue, generating heat that destroys the tissue without damaging surrounding healthy structures. These waves can penetrate body layers such as the skin without causing wounds. In practice, doctors typically use imaging guidance such as MRI or ultrasound to ensure the procedure is accurate, safe, and precisely targeted. At Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital, HIFU technology is available and supported by a team of experienced doctors who have undergone intensive training at HIFU technology centers in China.
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What Conditions Can Be Treated with HIFU?
HIFU is most commonly used to treat fibroids and adenomyosis, which are benign tumors that develop in the uterus. In addition, HIFU can also be used as a supportive therapy to help shrink both benign and malignant tumors in various organs, such as:
- Liver
- Pancreas
- Tailbone
- Breast.
How Is the HIFU Procedure Performed?
In general, the HIFU procedure involves the following steps:
- You will be asked to lie on an examination table
- The doctor may use certain devices to stabilize the targeted treatment area
- Depending on your condition, you may remain fully conscious, receive mild sedation, or undergo general anesthesia
- Imaging such as ultrasound or MRI is used to accurately locate the target tissue
- The HIFU probe is positioned directly over the targeted area, usually placed on or in contact with the skin
- The doctor delivers a test dose to the center of the target tissue
- If needed, the intensity of the ultrasound waves is adjusted according to tissue depth
- Ultrasound waves are then delivered gradually to the target tissue
- After the procedure, imaging is used to confirm that the target tissue has been successfully treated
Benefits of HIFU
Some of the key advantages of HIFU include:
- No incisions and no use of radiation
- Highly precise targeting without damaging surrounding healthy tissue
- Typically performed as an outpatient procedure with a relatively short recovery time
- Fewer side effects compared to more invasive treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and open surgery
Side Effects of HIFU
HIFU has a very low risk of complications. In rare cases, it may cause skin burns, although this is uncommon. Each use of HIFU may have different potential side effects depending on the condition being treated.
If you have concerns regarding possible side effects or complications, it is recommended to consult directly with your doctor for personalized medical advice.
How Long Is the Recovery Time After HIFU?
Recovery time varies for each individual and depends on the type of condition being treated. However, in general, HIFU offers a faster recovery compared to more invasive treatment methods.
Doctors will provide detailed information on what to expect and how long recovery will take based on your specific condition and procedure.
HIFU at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital
Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital offers HIFU services supported by a team of experienced doctors who have undergone intensive training at leading HIFU technology centers in China. This training ensures that each doctor has the expertise and in-depth understanding required to utilize HIFU technology optimally, enabling precise, safe, and effective treatment in accordance with international standards.
HIFU services at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital cover multiple medical specialties. For uterine fibroid cases, the procedure is performed by obstetrics and gynecology (OBGYN) specialists focusing on women’s reproductive health. For liver tumors, patients are treated by internal medicine specialists with a subspecialty in gastroenterohepatology (Sp.PD-KGEH), who specialize in digestive and liver diseases.
Additionally, HIFU is also used for pancreatic cancer cases, handled by interventional radiology specialists using advanced imaging-guided techniques. This multidisciplinary collaboration allows Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital to provide comprehensive and integrated HIFU services, ensuring patients receive the most appropriate treatment based on their medical condition.
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*The information provided on this page is intended for educational purposes and general overview only, and may not represent all medical services offered by each doctor. For appropriate treatment based on your condition, it is recommended to consult directly with the respective doctor.
If you have any questions, suggestions, or need further information, please contact our call center at 0811-1900-2000.
