HIFU for BPH
HIFU for BPH is a minimally invasive treatment option for men with enlarged prostate symptoms, including weak flow, urgency, frequent urination, and waking at night to urinate.
Using high-intensity focused ultrasound, HIFU treats targeted prostate tissue that contributes to urinary blockage. The goal is to reduce obstruction and help improve urinary flow.
Proven HIFU Technology.
Now Applied to BPH.
UIC was the first centre in North America to deliver HIFU for the minimally invasive, focal treatment of localized prostate cancer over 20 years ago. Since then, we have treated thousands of patients and developed extensive experience using HIFU.
HIFU is a targeted technology. The quality of treatment depends on careful patient selection, precise planning, and the experience of the treating team.
That same proven technology is now being applied for eligible patients with BPH.
UIC is currently the only centre in Canada offering HIFU for BPH
For men looking for a minimally invasive BPH treatment option, HIFU offers an important new pathway, especially at a time when access to some other minimally invasive BPH procedures has become more limited for Ontario residents.
How HIFU works for BPH
HIFU uses focused ultrasound energy to heat and treat targeted prostate tissue.
For BPH, the treatment is directed toward the part of the prostate that contributes to urinary obstruction. The goal is to reduce blockage and improve urinary flow.
Unlike many BPH procedures that are performed through the urethra, HIFU is delivered transrectally. This means the treatment energy is directed through the rectum toward the targeted prostate tissue, rather than passing treatment instruments through the urinary channel.
Treatment planning is based on the patient’s prostate anatomy, urinary symptoms, urinary function, and the location of the obstructing tissue.
Rezūm Update for Ontario Residents
UIC is not currently able to offer Rezūm treatment to Ontario residents.
Recent OHIP changes affect certain transurethral BPH procedures, but the current reimbursement structure does not cover the material, disposable, and facility costs required to provide Rezūm. Once a service is insured, providers also cannot bill Ontario patients separately to make up that difference.
Rezūm remains available at UIC for patients who reside outside Ontario.
Ontario residents may be assessed for other BPH treatment options available through UIC, including HIFU for BPH where appropriate.
HIFU for BPH is a minimally invasive treatment that uses focused ultrasound energy to treat targeted prostate tissue. For BPH, the goal is to reduce urinary obstruction caused by enlarged prostate tissue.
Urology Innovations Canada in Toronto is currently the only centre in Canada offering HIFU for BPH.
HIFU may be considered for men with bothersome urinary symptoms caused by prostate enlargement. Candidacy depends on prostate size, prostate anatomy, urinary function, symptom severity, prior treatments, and overall treatment goals.
HIFU is not suitable for every man with BPH. Some patients may be better suited to medication, Rezūm where available, Optilume, iTind, TURP, HoLEP, Aquablation, or another treatment.
No. UIC is not currently able to offer Rezūm treatment to Ontario residents because the current OHIP reimbursement structure does not cover the material, disposable, and facility costs required to provide the treatment.
Yes, HIFU for BPH is available to all patients medically eligible for the treatment, including Ontario residents.
Rezūm is delivered through the urethra and uses water vapour energy to treat prostate tissue. HIFU is delivered transrectally and uses focused ultrasound energy to treat targeted tissue without passing treatment instruments through the urinary channel.
Rezūm remains available at UIC for patients who reside outside Ontario.
The first step is to complete the pre-screening form. Our team will review your information and advise whether consultation is appropriate.