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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 Portugal 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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Portugal is a country located in southwestern Europe. It’s one of the oldest nation-states of Europe and the world. Its territory had been continuously invaded, settled, and fought over since prehistoric times. Today, the country has become a major tourist destination, with its architecturally stunning cities, cobblestone villages, medieval castles, great food, stunning beaches, and incredible weather. Besides its beauty, Portugal is also attracting people from all around the world for its healthcare. The country offers a combination of state-of-the-art private medical centers, with spotless facilities and private rooms, a wide range of procedures, with very short waiting lists, as well as highly trained patient-oriented medical teams who are fluent in different languages. The physicians in this country have been trained by high standard medical schools, where just top and talented students are allowed to attend.
Lisbon is the capital and the largest city in Portugal. This city is filled with friendly people, history, mystique, and amazing food. Explore its many beautiful churches, listen to Fado, take a trip to the Castle of St. Jorge, see Sintra, and have some fun in one of its nightclubs. Another popular destination is Batalha, which is home to the UNESCO-listed Batalha Monastery. The monastery was build from 1386 to 1517 and is known as the greatest Gothic masterpieces in Europe. Those who want to party or soak up the sun should visit Lagos, while those who love to wander around and visit museums should visit Porto. Both of these cities are popular and fascinating.
International tourists usually arrive at Lisbon Airport. It is a hub for low-cost airlines EasyJet and Ryanair, and it serves flights to numerous cities around the world. To get around Portugal, trains and buses are very efficient. While trains are often cheaper, buses are usually quicker. Taxis are available in almost every city and are relatively cheap.
Since Portugal is part of the Schengen Area, citizens of 62 countries, including the US, Australia, the UAE, and Canada, are allowed to visit without a visa for up to 90 days. Citizens of most other countries are required to obtain a Schengen visa to visit the country.
From March to May it is spring and the weather is pleasant but there will likely be some heavy rain. Summer, is from June to mid-September, can be scorching hot with temperatures rising to mid 30oC. Autumn, starts from mid-September to December and it brings colder temperatures but and an increased chance of rain. Winter can get quite cold and the days are shorter and always expect rain and storms during this season.