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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 Taiwan 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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Whilst still a part of the Republic of China, the small island of Taiwan maintains a wealth of ancient Chinese culture and traditions mixed with modern-day Western inspirations. With its food-loving locals and award-winning whiskeys, Taiwan is a land of surprises. With 14 JCI accredited facilities in Taiwan, Taipei, the capital, is home to most, many of which are part of the University Hospitals and offer a range of specialist tertiary care. The country welcomes an ever-increasing number of medical tourists each year, many of which travel for High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) procedures. Medical Tourists mostly travel from the mainland or from within the region.
Taiwan is one of the most densely populated countries in the world with 23.5 million inhabitants. The country has amazed tourists with its dynamic cities, vibrant culture, interesting history, and incredible natural scenery.
Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport is the main airport in the country, located about 40km west of Taipei in the Dayuan District, Taoyuan. It is the hub for 6 airlines including two of Taiwan’s major airlines, China Airlines, and EVA Air. It has international connections with almost every country in the world. The airport serves major airlines as well as budget airlines such as Air Asia, Eastar Jet, Air Busan, and Tiger air Taiwan. There are other airports that serve international and domestic flights such as Taichung Airport, Tainan Airport, Siaogang Airport, and Taipei Songshan Airport.
Tourists arriving at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport have a variety of transport options such as buses, taxis, car rentals, and Taoyuan Airport MRT. Buses are the cheapest option to get to the city center. Tourists who head towards the Taipei 101 area should take Bus no. 1960, while bus no. 1819 and 1961 will take tourists near Taipei Main Train Station.
Taxis are available in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2’ arrivals lobby. The fare is based on a meter and will usually cost around 1,200 TWD (40.50 USD). A journey to the city center takes about 50 minutes and taxis operate for 24 hours.
Taoyuan Airport MRT is the fastest way to reach Taipei’s city center. It will take tourists to Taipei Main Station in 35 minutes and costs 160 TWD (5.40 USD). The MRT operates from 6.05 am to 11.35 pm.
Tourists can travel around Taiwan by normal train (TRA). It is an affordable option; a train ride from Taipei to Kaohsiung costs around 845 TWD. Tourists who need a quicker travel time can opt for Taiwan High-Speed Train (HSR). The train travels from Taipei to Kaohsiung in just 90 minutes.
The cheapest way to travel around Taiwan is by bus. Buses are readily available and will reach small villages and mountain resorts. The country provides Taiwan Tourist Shuttle bus system that offers 42 routes to more than 100 tourist destinations.
Taxis and MRT is the best way to travel around big cities. In Kaohsiung, getting around in a bicycle is the best way to explore as it is one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in Taiwan.
Citizens of 65 countries do not require a visa to visit Taiwan and can stay for up to 90 days. Nationals of Turkey can obtain a visa on arrival valid for 30 days. It is best to check to the nearest embassy or consulate for visa requirements. Since January 2016, Taiwan offers an eVisa program for 18 countries including Saudi Arabia, Peru, Oman, and United Arab Emirates.