TULSA
What is TULSA?
TULSA (Transurethral Ultrasound Ablation) is an FDA cleared cutting-edge treatment for prostate cancer. It utilizes an ultrasound device placed within the urethra to deliver targeted energy to the prostate tissue.
The TULSA system incorporates cooling mechanisms to protect important anatomy and is integrated with MRI for precise tissue targeting, real-time temperature monitoring, and immediate evaluation of treatment. At Stanford, a team of radiologists and urologists who are experts in MR guided focal therapy collaborate on the treatment day to provide this innovative procedure
Benefits of TULSA
- No incision, no radiation treatment
- Personalized treatment plan for each patient
- Focused approach using MR imaging
- Precise ablation with continuous monitoring during treatment
- Tissue-sparing technique preserves healthy tissue and reduces side effects
- Lower risk of erectile dysfunction/urinary incontinence compared to surgery or radiation
- One-session, outpatient procedure
- Short recovery time permits rapid return to everyday life
- Minimal or no pain
- Can be used when other treatments have failed
Are you a good candidate?
The suitability for TULSA treatment is determined through careful evaluation by your healthcare team. The treatment is most effective when the targeted cancer is visible on MRI and there is no significant disease elsewhere in the prostate gland. Your physician will assess your specific case, considering factors such as the stage and location of the cancer, your overall health, and your treatment goals to determine if TULSA is an appropriate option for you. A prostate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a prostate CT, and a targeted prostate biopsy are necessary for evaluation.
What You Can Expect
Consultation
Your physician will assess your specific case, considering factors such as the stage and location of the cancer, your overall health, and your treatment goals to determine if TULSA is an appropriate option for you.
TULSA procedure
TULSA is typically an outpatient procedure generally performed in a single session.
Follow-up visits
Regular follow-up visits with your healthcare team are crucial to monitor your recovery, evaluate treatment effectiveness, and address any concerns or side effects. Your doctor will provide specific instructions regarding follow-up appointments.
Recovery and return to activities
Patients can quickly return to their daily activities within a few days following the procedure.
FAQ
TULSA is performed in the hospital as an outpatient procedure. Patients are typically discharged from the clinic on the same day as the procedure, depending on the doctor’s assessment.
The procedure is performed in a single session that takes a few hours (4-6 hours). It is conducted under general anesthesia, therefore patients are required to have a ride to and from the hospital.
- Patients typically experience little to no pain after the procedure. Any discomfort is treated with over the counter pain medications
- Our team will provide close follow-up during your recovery.
- Patients are encouraged to have a friend or family member assist them for the first 24-48 hours after the procedure.
- A urinary catheter is placed for 1-2 weeks after your procedure. The physician will assess urinary function to determine the appropriate removal date.
- Blood in the urine may be seen temporarily in the weeks after procedure. Approximately 1 in 10 patients may
develop a urinary infection requiring antibiotics.
- Within days to weeks after the procedure, patients are able to resume their previously active lifestyles