---
title: "Understanding the Sonablate HIFU Procedure: What to Expect"
description: Discover Sonablate HIFU, a non-invasive treatment for prostate disease. Learn how Sonablate HIFU works, its benefits, and what to expect before, during, and after the procedure.
image: https://blog.sonablate.com/hubfs/Blog%20Post%203%20-%20Understanding%20The%20Sonablate%20HIFU%20Procedure%20-%20Feature%20Image.jpg
---
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# Understanding the Sonablate HIFU Procedure: What to Expect
[Sonablate Corp.](https://blog.sonablate.com/patients/author/sonablate-corp)
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Treatment with high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is considered non-invasive because it doesn't require any incisions. This makes recovery for patients usually faster than it is for other surgical options. If you are considering Sonablate HIFU for prostate treatment, understanding the procedure can help ease any concerns and prepare you and your family for what to expect. In this blog post, we will walk you through the Sonablate HIFU procedure step-by-step.
**Before the Procedure:**
You will have a consultation with your urologist to discuss your medical history and treatment goals. You may be required to undergo a series of tests to ensure that Sonablate HIFU is appropriate for your condition.
**During the Procedure:**
Anesthesia: Patients will be under general anesthesia or spinal anesthesia with conscious sedation when being treated with Sonablate HIFU.
Treatment: During the procedure, your physician may use both pre-operative MR images as well as diagnostic ultrasound to map your prostate and to identify the area or areas requiring treatment. High-intensity ultrasound waves are then precisely focused on the targeted area of the prostate. These waves heat and destroy the diseased tissue while sparring healthy tissue.
Duration: Typically, the operating time is one and a half to two hours, depending on the amount of targeted tissue being ablated during the procedure.
**After the Procedure:**
Most patients have a urinary catheter for 3-7 days. You’ll receive information about the catheter from your physician. Also, you’ll need to undergo further testing to ensure the treatment was successful. Your physician will closely monitor your progress and give you more follow-up care instructions.
Understanding Sonablate HIFU can help you feel more prepared and confident about your treatment. If you have any questions or need more information, our team is here to help you.
For more detailed information on Sonablate HIFU, contact us.
*\*This post is for informational and educational purposes only. This post should not be taken as medical advice or used as a substitute for such. You should always speak to your own doctor before implementing this information on your own. *
## Related Articles
[](https://blog.sonablate.com/patients/understanding-insurance-coverage-for-the-sonablate-hifu-treatment)
[HIFU](https://blog.sonablate.com/patients/tag/hifu) [Prostate Treatment](https://blog.sonablate.com/patients/tag/prostate-treatment)
### [Understanding Insurance Coverage for the Sonablate HIFU Treatment](https://blog.sonablate.com/patients/understanding-insurance-coverage-for-the-sonablate-hifu-treatment)
If you’re considering or are already undergoing High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) treatment with Sonablate, understanding the insurance and coverage landscape is...
[Sonablate Corp.](https://blog.sonablate.com/patients/author/sonablate-corp)
[Read More](https://blog.sonablate.com/patients/understanding-insurance-coverage-for-the-sonablate-hifu-treatment)
[](https://blog.sonablate.com/patients/the-advantages-of-sonablate-hifu-over-traditional-prostate-treatments)
[HIFU](https://blog.sonablate.com/patients/tag/hifu) [Prostate Treatment](https://blog.sonablate.com/patients/tag/prostate-treatment)
### [The Advantages of Sonablate HIFU over Traditional Prostate Treatments](https://blog.sonablate.com/patients/the-advantages-of-sonablate-hifu-over-traditional-prostate-treatments)
When it comes to treating prostate conditions, there may be several options available to patients; therefore, patients should have an informed discussion with their...
[Sonablate Corp.](https://blog.sonablate.com/patients/author/sonablate-corp)
[Read More](https://blog.sonablate.com/patients/the-advantages-of-sonablate-hifu-over-traditional-prostate-treatments)
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- [Patient Site](https://patients.sonablate.com/)
- [Sonablate® HIFU](https://www.sonablate.com)
**Sonablate® HIFU** is approved in more than 50 countries worldwide and was the first focused ultrasound device to be FDA-cleared in the U.S. for the ablation of prostate tissue. This innovative solution for prostate diseases has allowed **Sonablate® HIFU** to become the industry leader in focal therapy. Sonablate is a non-invasive device intended for precise planning and monitoring of ultrasound imaging and high intensity focused ultrasound to ablate prostate tissue. Most common side effects include pain and discomfort and urinary tract infection (UTI). Rare side effects include rectal injury, which may require intervention. Consult your physician to see if the Sonablate procedure is right for you.
© 2026 Sonablate Corp. All Rights Reserved.
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