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High intensity focussed ultrasound technique (HIFU) also known as focussed ultrasound surgery (FUS), uses non-ionizing ultrasound waves to heat up your body tissues. Temperature can be increased up to 70 to 90°C. These sound waves do not pass through air and bone. It is used for multi-purposes. It works to increase your blood, and lymph flow stimulates cell division and destroys tumor cells. It can also be used to treat a number of disorders including various types of cancer and uterine fibroids. Its use in the treatment of prostate cancer is gaining fame. It can also be used for cosmetic reasons, to reduce wrinkles, aging lines and to lift your loose skin. It is found to be most effective on jawline and cheeks. It should always be performed by the experts because the sonication of the wrong tissue can be dangerous. Also, there might be incomplete destruction of the tumor. Some areas of your body can not be sonicated as they are sensitive to sound waves, this should also be kept in mind while performing HIFU. It can only be used to treat localized cancer and tumors. Cancer which has spread cannot be cured through HIFU.
As HIFU is involved in the treatment of a number of diseases, before going through it, you may suffer from those diseases. These disorders include ovarian fibroids, different types of cancers, breast tumors, Parkinsonism, and a number of other neurological disabilities. You might have loose skin of face, neck, and chest. Vaginal laxity is also a problem. After HIFU, your tumors are destroyed, cancer cells are killed and diseases are cured. Your loose skin looks tightened and strengthened. Wrinkles and aging lines are gone. Vaginal and skin laxity are removed. You look younger than your actual age.
The procedure begins with cleaning the area to be sonicated with alcohol swabs so that there are no germs and bacteria. In the next step, a gel is applied to your skin. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or ultrasound is used to focus the exact tissue, organ or tumor that needs to be treated. The individual is sedated to avoid discomfort and pain during the procedure. After this, the procedure differs according to the purpose of HIFU. In general, an acoustic lens is used to focus sound waves on the targeted organ. The transducer device is used to emit sound waves. The sound waves propagate through the various layers of skin to reach the tumor to be destructed. When sound waves reach the tumor, heat is produced there increasing the temperature up to 90°C in 20 seconds only. This heat starts destroying the cancer cells there.
It is a 1 to 4 hours procedure. It depends upon the purpose for which HIFU is being performed. Generally, it is an outpatient procedure. You can be discharged from the hospital after the effects of the sedatives subside. You should plan to stay in Belgium for at least 14 days after your Procedure, this will allow for the initial recovery and follow-up check-ups, etc.
The recovery time differs and depends upon the purpose for which HIFU is being carried out. You may suffer from pain and discomfort for 3 to 4 days after the procedure. The soreness and swelling will subside in 2 to 3 weeks. It has less recovery time and has less invasive techniques approved by the FDA. The Non-ionizing radiations used in this technique are the least damaging.
Aftercare differs in accordance with the purpose for which HIFU is done. However, the following points should be kept in mind to look after yourself at home after being discharged:
HIFU has been found to be very successful in the treatment of most of the disorders. However, the success rate differs for each purpose. According to a study, the overall success rate for prostate cancer treatment was reported to be 84%. Cancer patients were divided into 3 groups. The high-risk group showed a low success rate. The intermediate group showed a higher success rate reaching 83.4% and the low-risk group showed the highest success rate of 94.2%. It is also found to be very effective and successful in treating skin laxity and uterine fibroids.
In actuality, HIFU itself is a non-surgical alternative to most of the surgeries. However, the following are some useful alternatives to HIFU:
Whilst the information presented here has been accurately sourced and verified by a medical professional for its accuracy, it is still advised to consult with your doctor before pursuing a medical treatment at one of the listed medical providers
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Belgium is one of the smallest and most densely populated countries in Europe and has some of Europe’s finest cuisine, including the creamiest chocolates and a wide variation of beers. In addition, it is home to extensive beaches, postcard-worthy dunes, historic cities, and beautiful countryside, with belfries, castles, and carnivals. Belgium has enjoyed a growing reputation for being excellent medical tourism as well as the country boasts immaculate clinical standards. The medical centers in the country offer a wide range of specializes treatments, short waiting time, highly-trained medical professionals, and considerably lower medical costs. Orthopedics and heart surgery are the most sought after procedures in Belgium.
Brussels is the capital of Belgium, as well as home to European Union official seats and NATO headquarters. Here, visitors can see Europe’s grandest squares, visit the beloved statue of a little boy peeing into a basin (Manneken Pis), explore Musées Royaux des Beaux-Arts, and admire the magnificent Grand Palace. Bruges, a pickled Gothic city, is also worth a visit. The key attractions in the city are the 14th-century town hall, the Cathedral of the Holy Savior, and the Belfry Tower. Other popular cities include Antwerp and Ghent. While Antwerp is famous for its fashion and excellent museums, Ghent is best known for its historic quarter and stunning Van Eyck altarpiece in its colossal cathedral.
Belgium has four distinct seasons. Summer in the country is relatively short, starting in July and ending in August. The season is warm, with bearable heat and some intermittent rain. Winter comes in November and extends until March. It can get rather wet and chilly during this season, with an average temperature of around 3 - 7°C. Spring (April – June) and autumn (September – October) are generally nice and warm, with an average temperature of around 10 - 15°C.
The main international airport in Belgium is Brussels Airport. It serves flights to many major cities around the world, including Copenhagen, Doha, London, New York, Atlanta, Casablanca, and Bangkok. Since Belgium is a small country, there are no domestic flights. The public transport system in the country is extremely well-organized and reasonably priced. The best way to get around the country is by train. The trains are affordable, fast, frequent, very punctual, and have a comprehensive network of lines. Buses tend to be used in conjunction with train services, so you will likely need a train-bus combination when traveling, especially to rural areas. Inside cities, the transport systems are centered on buses, but there are also metro and trams in Brussels and Antwerp. Taxis are plentiful in all cities and ensure to hire metered official taxis, which have standard fares.
Belgium is part of the Schengen Area, so nationals of EU/EEA countries do not need a visa to visit the country regardless of their length of stay or purpose of travels. Citizens of 62 countries, including Canadian, Australian, and US nationals, can stay in the country without a visa for up to 90 days. Belgium Visa for Medical reasons is available for people who need to obtain medical care in the country.