Stamford Health Is First in Fairfield County to Offer Non-Invasive Robotic HIFU Procedure for Prostate Cancer

Focal One’s Robotic HIFU is a groundbreaking treatment with no surgery and no radiation for prostate cancer patients.

Key Facts

• What: Stamford Health is the first health system in Fairfield County to offer Robotic Focal High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU), an advanced, non-invasive treatment for select patients with prostate cancer. The technology uses precisely targeted ultrasound energy to ablate cancerous prostate tissue while preserving surrounding healthy tissue.
• Where: Stamford Hospital, Stamford, Connecticut.
• Why it matters: Robotic Focal HIFU provides an effective treatment option that may help preserve urinary continence, erectile function, and overall quality of life while minimizing recovery time and avoiding surgery or radiation. Recent clinical data have demonstrated favorable functional outcomes compared to radical prostatectomy.

STAMFORD, CT / September 23, 2026 – Stamford Health is the first health system in Fairfield County and among the first in Connecticut to offer Robotic Focal High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU), an advanced treatment option for patients with prostate cancer. This innovative technology uses high-intensity ultrasound waves to precisely target and destroy cancerous prostate tissue by generating localized heat in the affected area while preserving surrounding healthy tissue.

In a recent study, Focal One Robotic HIFU demonstrated oncologic outcomes comparable to more traditional prostate cancer treatment such as radical prostatectomy, while significantly reducing the impact on functional outcomes. In the large prospective HIFI Study, which included more than 3,000 patients across 46 centers, men treated with Focal One Robotic HIFU experienced better urinary continence and erectile function outcomes than those who underwent surgery.

“The addition of this innovative technology reflects Stamford Health’s commitment to bringing the latest advances in urologic care to our community,” said Hugh Lavery, MD, Chief of Urology at Stamford Health. “We are proud to offer HIFU close to home, providing select patients with an advanced treatment option that combines effective cancer control with a focus on preserving quality of life.”

Stamford Health's urology program provides comprehensive care for conditions affecting the urinary and reproductive systems, including specialized treatment for prostate, bladder, kidney, and testicular cancers. Led by board-certified, fellowship-trained urologists with expertise in urologic oncology and robotic surgery, the program offers advanced technologies to help identify, diagnose, and treat prostate cancer with greater precision.

The addition of Robotic Focal HIFU further expands Stamford Health's portfolio of innovative prostate cancer treatments. This non-invasive procedure precisely targets and destroys diseased prostate tissue without incisions or radiation, helping preserve quality of life while minimizing recovery time. With a low risk of side effects such as urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction, many patients can return quickly to their normal daily activities.

Patients and caregivers can visit Stamford Health's website for more information about Robotic Focal HIFU and other urologic services.

FAQs:

What is Robotic Focal HIFU?
Robotic Focal High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) is a non-invasive treatment that uses focused ultrasound energy to generate heat and destroy targeted prostate tissue without surgery or radiation.

Who may be a candidate for HIFU?
HIFU may be an option for select patients with localized prostate cancer. Eligibility is determined by a urologist based on factors including cancer characteristics, imaging results, and overall health.

How is HIFU different from surgery?
Unlike surgery, HIFU does not require incisions or removal of the prostate. The treatment is designed to target only the affected area of the prostate while preserving healthy tissue and reducing the impact on quality of life.

Does HIFU involve radiation?
No. HIFU uses focused ultrasound energy and does not involve radiation.

What are the potential benefits of HIFU?
Potential benefits include a lower risk of urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction, preservation of healthy tissue, minimal recovery time, and a quicker return to normal daily activities.

How long is the recovery period?
Many patients are able to resume normal activities relatively quickly following treatment. Recovery timelines vary based on individual circumstances and should be discussed with the treating physician.

ABOUT STAMFORD HEALTH

Stamford Health is a non-profit independent health care system serving Fairfield County, Connecticut. With more than 4,100 employees committed to delivering expert, compassionate, person-centered care, patients and their families receive an array of health and wellness services through the system’s 305-bed Stamford Hospital; 40 Stamford Health Medical Group offices; and a growing number of ambulatory locations.

Stamford Health consistently receives top tier clinical and safety recognitions from U.S. News & World Report, Leapfrog, The American Nurses Credentialing Center, Planetree, Centers for Medicare, Medicaid Services and Castle Connolly, and is a Certified™ Great Place to Work. Stamford Health brings specialized care to the community through partnerships with leading academic medical centers including Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center and highly regarded care providers like Hospital for Special Surgery and Oula Health.

Through the Stamford Hospital Foundation, Stamford Health receives support to sustain core medical programs, acquire the latest technology and enhance patient-care overall.

For more information, visit StamfordHealth.org. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

PRESS CONTACT

Jake Gaydos, Communications Manager
Stamford Health
[email protected]