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Stanford Health Care

Transurethral Ultrasound Ablation (TULSA)

Our Approach to TULSA

Transurethral ultrasound ablation (TULSA) is a breakthrough, nonsurgical procedure that treats prostate cancer and an enlarged prostate. Stanford Health Care is the only hospital in Northern California and among a handful of U.S. centers to offer TULSA.

Using heat created by concentrating ultrasound energy, TULSA destroys cancerous or excess tissue while protecting nearby healthy organs and structures. The TULSA procedure doesn’t involve radiation or incisions. Doctors personalize the procedure to your unique anatomy and needs using MRI-guided technology before, during, and after treatment. This level of customization and precision delivers effective results while reducing the risk of erectile dysfunction, urinary incontinence, and rectal problems.  

What We Offer You for the TULSA Procedure

  • Expert care from our team of radiologists and urologic oncologists with specialty training in performing TULSA and treating prostate cancer and an enlarged prostate
  • Personalized treatment plans tailored to your needs, anatomy, and goals, thereby minimizing side effects and enhancing quality of life
  • Early access to the newest innovations in prostate cancer and enlarged prostate treatment through our highly active clinical program

What Is Transurethral Ultrasound Ablation (TULSA)

About Transurethral Ultrasound Ablation (TULSA)

TULSA concentrates ultrasound energy to remove unhealthy tissue from the prostate gland. Unlike other procedures, TULSA accesses prostate tissue through the urethra. This approach allows specialists to reach the exact areas that require treatment while protecting the urethra and rectum. Cooling technology reduces the chances of damaging these and other surrounding structures.

TULSA may be an excellent option for men who desire an alternative to radiation or surgery. During a TULSA procedure, doctors use real-time magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology to pinpoint the exact treatment area. This high level of precision protects healthy tissue, nerves, and other important structures.

What to Expect

TULSA is a nonsurgical procedure that treats prostate cancer that hasn’t spread to other parts of the body and relieves BPH symptoms. A doctor performs the procedure in one session, which takes three to four hours. Learn more about what to expect before, during, and after the procedure.

  • Before

  • During

  • After

Before the Procedure

  • Your doctor may order certain tests to confirm you’re a good candidate for TULSA.
  • Your doctor may ask you to stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners and vitamins.
  • You will need to ask someone to drive you home on the day of your procedure. 

During the Procedure

  • You receive general anesthesia and will be asleep during the procedure.
  • The doctor accesses the prostate gland by inserting a small, slim device through the urethra. This device destroys the unhealthy cells using heat from ultrasound. To protect the urethra, the device also has cooling abilities.
  • The doctor inserts another cooling device into the rectum to protect that tissue from damage and preserve its function.
  • The doctor uses MRI technology to map out the exact treatment areas based on your prostate’s shape and size and the location of unhealthy tissue.
  • The TULSA system carries out the treatment plan created by your doctor, directing heat only to those specific tissues.
  • Real-time temperature maps confirm that heating within the prostate is adequate while avoiding heating surrounding structures. The doctor uses these temperature maps to monitor and modify the treatment as needed. 

After the Procedure

  • Recovery tends to be relatively short and easy.
  • You go home the same day.
  • You’ll need to wear a catheter for several days or weeks to help with urination.
  • You can return to work and other activities within a few days.
  • You have a follow-up visit on the day of your catheter removal and again three months after your procedure.
  • Additional follow-up appointments are scheduled at six, nine, and twelve month intervals. Appointments can either be in-person or video visit and may include blood tests, an MRI, and a biopsy of the prostate.
Before

Before the Procedure

  • Your doctor may order certain tests to confirm you’re a good candidate for TULSA.
  • Your doctor may ask you to stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners and vitamins.
  • You will need to ask someone to drive you home on the day of your procedure. 

close Before
During

During the Procedure

  • You receive general anesthesia and will be asleep during the procedure.
  • The doctor accesses the prostate gland by inserting a small, slim device through the urethra. This device destroys the unhealthy cells using heat from ultrasound. To protect the urethra, the device also has cooling abilities.
  • The doctor inserts another cooling device into the rectum to protect that tissue from damage and preserve its function.
  • The doctor uses MRI technology to map out the exact treatment areas based on your prostate’s shape and size and the location of unhealthy tissue.
  • The TULSA system carries out the treatment plan created by your doctor, directing heat only to those specific tissues.
  • Real-time temperature maps confirm that heating within the prostate is adequate while avoiding heating surrounding structures. The doctor uses these temperature maps to monitor and modify the treatment as needed. 

close During
After

After the Procedure

  • Recovery tends to be relatively short and easy.
  • You go home the same day.
  • You’ll need to wear a catheter for several days or weeks to help with urination.
  • You can return to work and other activities within a few days.
  • You have a follow-up visit on the day of your catheter removal and again three months after your procedure.
  • Additional follow-up appointments are scheduled at six, nine, and twelve month intervals. Appointments can either be in-person or video visit and may include blood tests, an MRI, and a biopsy of the prostate.

close After

Our Clinics

Minimally Invasive MR Interventional Center (MIMRIC)
Minimally Invasive MR Interventional Center (MIMRIC)
900 Blake Wilbur Drive
 Palo Alto, CA 94304
Phone: 650-498-6148 Getting Here
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To schedule an appointment, please call 510-974-8416.