What to expect

Details differ by modality, hospital and your health. The headings below are common themes to discuss at consent.

Before admission

  • Medication review (blood thinners, diabetes medicines).
  • Fasting instructions if general anaesthesia is planned.
  • Bowel prep only if your team requests it.
  • COVID or other infection-screening rules of the hospital.

Day of procedure

  • Consent confirmation and site marking when relevant.
  • Anaesthesia type and post-operative pain plan.
  • Catheter use varies: many prostate focal treatments involve a temporary catheter.

First weeks after treatment

  • Fatigue, bruising or perineal soreness may occur depending on access route.
  • Watch for fever, heavy bleeding, urinary retention or calf pain; seek urgent care if these occur.
  • Return to driving, exercise and intercourse follows individual advice.
For modality-specific detail read the relevant page under Modalities and ask your treating team for the patient information leaflet used at your hospital.

Considering focal therapy?

You can ask for a second opinion on imaging, diagnosis and treatment options before you decide.