Treatment Overview
The Single-Incision Laparoscopic Endometriosis Surgery (SILES) in Korea is a highly advanced minimally invasive surgical approach designed to remove endometriotic lesions through a single small incision, usually at the navel. This innovative technique provides excellent precision, reduced scarring, and faster recovery while treating superficial and deep endometriosis.
Korea is a world leader in single-incision laparoscopy, combining high-definition imaging, specialized single-port instruments, and expert surgical techniques to achieve superior clinical and aesthetic outcomes. This makes Korea a sought-after destination for women seeking modern, minimally invasive endometriosis treatment.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose:
- Remove superficial and deep endometriotic lesions through a single incision
- Preserve reproductive and pelvic function
- Minimize scarring and postoperative discomfort
- Reduce chronic pelvic pain and recurrence
Benefits:
- Minimal scarring with only one small incision
- Less postoperative pain and faster recovery
- Enhanced precision with high-definition imaging
- Preservation of fertility and nerve function
- Reduced adhesion formation
- Short hospital stays (usually 1–3 days)
- Enhanced cosmetic outcomes alongside effective medical treatment
Ideal Candidates
SILES is ideal for women who:
- Have superficial or deep infiltrating endometriosis
- Wish to minimize scarring and recovery time
- Prefer minimally invasive surgery
- Desire fertility preservation
- Are healthy candidates for laparoscopic surgery
Preoperative assessment in Korea typically includes MRI, high-resolution ultrasound, and clinical evaluation to confirm suitability for the single-incision approach.
Possible Risks & Complications
While SILES is a safe and effective procedure, potential risks include:
- Bleeding or infection
- Injury to bowel, bladder, ureters, or pelvic nerves
- Adhesion formation
- Incomplete removal of lesions in complex cases
- Recurrence of endometriosis
- Anesthesia-related complications
Korean surgeons minimize risks through advanced surgical planning, high-definition imaging, and precise laparoscopic technique.
Surgical Techniques Used
Korean hospitals offering SILES use:
- Single-Incision Laparoscopy with High-Definition Imaging: For superior visualization and precision.
- Microsurgical Dissection: Protects healthy tissue while excising lesions.
- Energy-Based Vessel Sealing (Ultrasonic/Bipolar): Reduces bleeding and tissue trauma.
- CO₂ Laser or Plasma Energy: Allows precise lesion removal with minimal collateral damage.
- Specialized Single-Port Instruments: Designed to optimize precision and reduce surgical trauma.
- Fluorescence Imaging (ICG): Improves detection of lesion boundaries and pelvic anatomy.
These methods ensure safe, effective treatment with minimal scarring and rapid recovery.
Recovery & Aftercare
Recovery after SILES is typically quick. Most patients are discharged within 1–3 days and resume normal activities within 2–4 weeks, depending on disease complexity.
Postoperative care includes:
- Pain management and incision monitoring
- Gentle pelvic floor physiotherapy
- Avoiding strenuous activity during recovery
- Hormonal therapy to prevent recurrence
- Follow-up imaging and clinical assessment
- Fertility counseling if desired
Korean hospitals offer tailored aftercare programs designed for optimal recovery and long-term results.
Results & Longevity
SILES provides excellent long-term benefits:
- Effective removal of superficial and deep lesions
- Significant relief from chronic pelvic pain
- Preservation of fertility and pelvic nerve function
- Minimal scarring and faster recovery
- Lower recurrence rates with precise excision
- High patient satisfaction due to medical and aesthetic benefits
Korea’s expertise in single-incision laparoscopic surgery ensures optimal outcomes and minimal trauma.
Treatment Process in Korea
The SILES process includes:
- Comprehensive Consultation & Diagnostics: MRI, ultrasound, and clinical evaluation.
- Personalized Surgical Planning: Based on lesion location, complexity, and patient preferences.
- Single-Incision Laparoscopic Endometriosis Surgery: Performed with high-definition laparoscopic instruments via a single incision.
- Postoperative Recovery & Follow-Up: Including physiotherapy, hormonal therapy, and fertility counseling if needed.
Korean hospitals provide full support for international patients, including translation, transport, and accommodation services.
Cost Range
The Single-Incision Laparoscopic Endometriosis Surgery in Korea generally ranges between USD 11,000 and 22,000, depending on:
- Extent and complexity of endometriosis
- Use of advanced imaging and surgical tools
- Hospital and surgeon expertise
- Length of hospital stay and aftercare program
Costs generally include consultation, surgery, anesthesia, hospitalization, and postoperative follow-up.
Popular Clinics
- Samsung Medical Center (Seoul): Specialist in single-incision laparoscopic surgery for complex gynecologic conditions.
- Asan Medical Center (Seoul): Known for advanced minimally invasive and cosmetic-focused gynecologic surgery.
- Severance Hospital (Yonsei University, Seoul): Expertise in single-port laparoscopic endometriosis surgery.
- CHA Gangnam Medical Center: Offers state-of-the-art single-incision gynecologic surgery with optimal recovery programs.
- Ewha Womans University Medical Center: Known for personalized minimally invasive surgery and comprehensive aftercare.
