HIFU Treatment Pathways for Prostate Cancer

Cancer Treatment Photo by Ken Treloar on Unsplash

Dr. Sarat Sabharwal is a Kissimmee, Florida, urologist who provides knowledgeable, patient-centered care at Health Orlando. Board certified in his field, Dr. Sarat Sabharwal is a member of the American Urological Association, and has experience in areas such as prostate cancer and high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) treatment pathways.

HIFU works by precisely delivering focused sound waves that penetrate the rectal wall and target diseased prostate tissue. The process employed is similar to how magnifying glasses can be applied in tandem with sun rays to intensify energy to a specific point and accomplish tasks such as burning a small hole in a leaf. Rather than having light as the energy source, HIFU utilizes sound, with a sound wave-aiming transducer taking the place of the magnifying glass.

This approach is a minimally invasive alternative to radiation, with only prostrate cancer eliminated, and healthy surrounding tissue left untouched. There is no surgery or blood loss involved in this procedure, which is reserved for patients who have prostate cancer that is low to intermediate risk.

Stents Offer an Alternative for LUTS and BPH Sufferers

Dr. Sarat Sabharwal has extensive training and experience in open and minimally invasive surgical procedures. He uses stents to treat patients suffering from male lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Although stents may not be the traditional approach used when addressing these conditions, Dr. Sarat Sabharwal, and other physicians like him, use them because many patients prefer them.

LUTS and BPH are conditions in which the male urethra becomes partially or completely blocked, making it difficult or impossible to urinate. One common treatment for these conditions is the Foley catheter, a long thin rubber tube that is inserted through the urethra and into the bladder, allowing urine to drain into a bag. It is sometimes called an “indwelling catheter” because it can be left inside the body for a period of time. Of course, this procedure means that the patient has a long tube inside his body and has to carry a urine bag with him everywhere.

Stents offer an alternative. They can either be temporary or permanent, and they are also placed inside the body. However, a stent is small, and its function is to widen the urethra so that urination can take place naturally. It involves a minimally invasive procedure in which the patient is given a local anesthetic and typically takes only 15 minutes. Patients are generally discharged from the hospital on the same day.

Additionally, some patients are given stents because their condition is too severe for medication or other more invasive procedures. Stents offer them a treatment option that is effective without open surgery.

Exam Requirements for American Board of Urology Certification

American Board of Urology Certification
Image: abu.org

Sarat Sabharwal, MD, is a Florida based urologist and surgeon who also serves as an assistant professor of surgery at the University of Central Florida. In addition to his medical work, Dr. Sarat Sabharwal holds membership with professional associations that include the American Association of Clinical Urologists, the International Society of Cosmetogynecology, and the American Board of Urology.

Since its founding in 1934, the American Board of Urology has worked to improve the quality of urologic care by establishing certification standards and promoting lifelong learning. Physicians certified by the board must meet educational and professional standing requirements in addition to completing a two-part examination process.

The first part of the board’s examination process, known as the qualifying exam, determines whether a candidate demonstrates a minimum level of professional knowledge. The computer-based exam takes place in two three-hour sessions. Following the qualifying exam, candidates must complete an in-person oral examination that tests their ability to gather information and manage a patient. This final examination occurs on an annual basis, and takes place over two days.

For additional information on the certification process, visit www.abu.org.