OWINGS MILLS, Md., Jan. 31, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Ultrasound is having its day in the spotlight as new technology is providing the ability to use sound waves to destroy prostate cancer cells. High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) is now being utilized by the specialists at Chesapeake Urology as an exciting new, minimally invasive treatment for localized prostate cancer (cancer that has not spread outside of the walls of the prostate). HIFU uses ultrasound energy, or sound waves, to heat and destroy specifically targeted areas of cancerous tissue in the prostate.

"New therapies to combat prostate cancer are continuously emerging and HIFU has many significant benefits for our patients," said Anup Vora, Director of the Ablative and Focal Therapy Program for Prostate Cancer at Chesapeake Urology. "With HIFU, our specially trained physicians have the ability to target and treat the affected prostate tissue, minimizing damage to areas around the prostate. This helps preserve normal urinary function and minimizes the risk of sexual side effects like erectile dysfunction."

HIFU: Many Benefits, Low Risks
During HIFU, the sound waves pass through healthy tissue without causing damage. However, at the focal point of the sound waves, the tissue temperature rises rapidly to 90 degrees Celsius, destroying the targeted, cancerous tissue. Think of it as using a magnifying glass in the sun. With HIFU, the same principles are used when light is focused through the magnifying glass.

The numerous benefits of HIFU include:

Low risk of side effects such as erectile dysfunction and incontinence often associated with radiation therapy or surgery.
No damage to surrounding tissues or organs.
HIFU can be repeated, if necessary, without damaging healthy tissue.
One treatment with HIFU compared to multiple treatments sessions with radiation therapy/IMRT.
Outpatient procedure usually performed in one to four hours.
Radiation free.
No blood loss.
Quick recovery and return to normal activity within a few days.
HIFU does not preclude other treatment options; men who choose HIFU and then require additional therapies still have other treatment options available.
HIFU can be used as a prostate cancer salvage technique when other primary treatments such as radiation or cryotherapy fail.
An Outpatient Procedure

HIFU prostate ablation is typically performed in one of Chesapeake Urology's state-of-the-art Summit Ambulatory Surgery Centers under intravenous sedation. The radiation-free treatment is usually performed one time on an outpatient basis but can be repeated as necessary without causing adverse effects to surrounding tissues.


About Chesapeake Urology
Chesapeake Urology is a fully-integrated urology practice providing a comprehensive array of urologic services to its patients. The Company operates 28 medical offices and 18 AAAHC-certified ambulatory surgery centers in Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Harford, Howard, Carroll, Montgomery, Prince George's, Wicomico, Worchester, MD counties, Baltimore City, and Sussex County, DE, and has a staff of more than 800 including 87 physicians, 80 who are urologists. Chesapeake Urology has been named one of the top places to work in healthcare nationally by Modern Healthcare magazine and Becker's ASC Review, and locally by the Baltimore Sun, Baltimore magazine and the Baltimore Business Journal. Our vision is to support the creation of a national network of urology affiliates which will enable urologists to better meet the needs of their patients by leveraging the financial and operational strengths of Chesapeake Urology.

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