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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 Italy 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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Italy, a country in south-central Europe, boasts some of the most varied and picturesque landscapes in the world with the greatest collection of art treasures. The mere mention of Italy conjures up images of ancient Roman ruins, leaning tower of Pisa, stunning isles, rolling vineyards, and authentic cuisines. Besides its charming landscape, delicious food, and historical monuments, Italy is a popular spot for foreign patients to receive medical treatments. Its reputation for cutting-edge, high-quality treatment is growing rapidly. Although it is not the cheapest medical tourism destination, it is known for its highly qualified doctors and surgeons, as well as medical facilities that are equipped with the latest medical technology. Cosmetic surgery, hair transplant treatment, cosmetic dentistry, and cancer treatment are among the most popular treatments in the country.
Rome, the capital of Italy, is the birthplace of Julius Caesar and is filled with Roman ruins, such as the Colosseum, Pantheon, and Forum. It is also home to Vatican City, the beautiful Sistine Chapel, the romantic Trevi Fountain, and picturesque restaurants filled with great food. Venice, another popular city in the country, is famous for its canals, gondola rides, and St. Mark's Basilica. On the west coast of Italy, visitors can find the Cinque Terre, which consists of five dramatically located hamlets. It is dotted with steep vineyards, mountains, and beautiful beaches. The fashion capital of Italy is Milan, the ancient towns of Pompeii, Naples, and stunning Florence with its Renaissance art are also popular tourist destinations.
Italy has a variable climate, so different areas can experience different weather. In general, the country has four seasons: spring (March to May), summer (June to August), autumn (September to November), and winter (December to February). Summer has marvelous weather, with sunny days and warm nights. Autumn brings cooler temperatures to the country, while the winter can be chilly or freezing, depending on the area. In spring, the temperatures start to get warmer.
Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport is the main gateway airport in Italy. It connects the country with numerous domestic and international destinations, including London, Beijing, Paris, New York, and Moscow. Many international visitors fly to the Milan Malpensa International Airport as well. Transport in Italy is reasonably priced and efficient. An extensive network of domestic flights is available, making it the quickest and most convenient way to travel around. Trains cover many areas across the country and have frequent departures. There are also high-speed trains connecting major cities. Although buses are slower than trains, they are cheaper and covers areas not served by trains. All major cities have good transport systems, with the bus, metro, and tram networks. In Venice, the vaporetti (small passenger ferries) are the main public transport option. Taxis are widely available and are moderately priced.
Since Italy is part of the Schengen area, nationals of EU countries do not need a visa to visit regardless of their purpose and/or length of stay. Citizens of Canada, Australia, the US, Hong Kong, South Korea, the UAE, and several other countries do not need a visa to stay in the country for up to 90 days within a six-month period. Other nationals not listed in the visa exemption countries will need to apply for a visa before visiting.