David's Story

For those with an early diagnosis where prostate cancer is still contained in the gland HIFU is one treatment option that is less likely to result in adverse side effects. I was treated as a day patient and was able to return home that day. The treatment is given under a general anaesthetic as it requires complete immobility in order to precisely focus the high intensive ultrasound on the cancer. A probe that generates ultra sound is inserted in the rectum and a catheter is inserted to ensure that the urethra is not closed by the initial swelling of tissue in the prostate that results from the ablating of the cancerous tissue. The catheter remained attached to allow me to control urination for some two weeks before it’s removal . During this period I was prescribed antibiotics and analgesics whilst any swelling within the prostate was reduced. The catheter was removed in a hospital visit when I was given a flow test to ensure that I could return to passing urine free of the catheter. My treatment was carried out in Charing Cross Hospital. I have nothing but praise for the excellent treatment that I received. My cancer was diagnosed after taking biopsies following indicators on an MRI. One year after treatment I was given a further MRI. I was then given the opportunity to view both the MRI images, those taken before and after treatment. Fortunately this confirmed a complete eradication of the targeted prostate cancer. I have suffered no significant problems since having the treatment.