Treatment Overview
The Autologous Fascia Sling Procedure is a gold-standard surgical treatment for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) that uses a patient’s own tissue (fascia) to create a supportive sling beneath the urethra. This sling acts like a natural hammock, restoring urethral support and preventing involuntary urine leakage during activities such as coughing, sneezing, or exercising.
In Korea, this surgery is performed by highly trained uro-gynecologists using advanced minimally invasive or robotic-assisted techniques. It is considered one of the most durable and biocompatible surgical methods for long-term continence restoration — without the risks associated with synthetic mesh materials.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose:
- To restore the natural support system of the urethra using the patient’s own tissue.
- To eliminate urinary leakage caused by weakened pelvic-floor structures or urethral hypermobility.
- To provide a biologic, mesh-free alternative for women seeking a permanent surgical solution to SUI.
- To correct functional urethral closure by repositioning and reinforcing tissue around the bladder neck.
Benefits:
- Uses autologous (patient’s own) tissue, eliminating foreign-body risks and rejection.
- High long-term success rate and durability (often lasting 10+ years).
- Safe for patients with mesh intolerance or previous synthetic sling complications.
- Suitable for moderate to severe stress urinary incontinence.
- Minimal risk of erosion or immune reaction compared to synthetic materials.
- Can be performed alongside pelvic reconstruction or vaginal rejuvenation.
- Performed under advanced minimally invasive or robotic surgical systems in Korean hospitals for precision and faster recovery.
Ideal Candidates
The Autologous Fascia Sling Procedure is recommended for:
- Women with moderate to severe stress urinary incontinence due to urethral hypermobility or intrinsic sphincter deficiency.
- Patients who have experienced complications or recurrence after synthetic sling or mesh surgery.
- Women seeking a mesh-free, biologically natural option for bladder support.
- Individuals with strong overall health, suitable for general or regional anesthesia.
- Patients who have not achieved improvement through conservative treatments like Kegel exercises, EMS therapy, or laser rejuvenation.
- Women with prior pelvic surgeries requiring reconstructive continence support.
Possible Risks & Complications
Although the procedure is generally safe and well-tolerated, potential risks include:
- Temporary urinary retention or difficulty urinating after surgery.
- Mild pelvic pain or tenderness at the sling or harvest site (usually the lower abdomen or thigh).
- Infection or minor bleeding at incision sites.
- Bladder perforation (rare and usually repaired during the same surgery).
- Overcorrection leading to temporary difficulty voiding.
- Recurrence of incontinence in a small percentage of cases over time.
Korean uro-gynecologists employ meticulous surgical precision, intraoperative imaging, and advanced anesthesia to minimize these risks.
Surgical Techniques Used
In Korea, the Autologous Fascia Sling is typically performed using one of two main techniques:
- Pubovaginal Sling Technique:
- A strip of fascia (usually from the rectus abdominis muscle or thigh) is harvested and fashioned into a sling.
- The sling is placed under the mid-urethra or bladder neck and secured to the abdominal wall or pelvic ligaments to provide lasting support.
- Robotic or Laparoscopic-Assisted Sling:
- Minimally invasive approach using small incisions and robotic instruments for precise placement.
- Reduces postoperative pain and speeds recovery.
- Hybrid Suspension Methods:
- Combination of fascia sling with anterior vaginal wall repair for patients with concurrent bladder prolapse.
- Sometimes paired with colposuspension for enhanced urethral support.
Korean Surgical Innovations Include:
- Micro-harvest techniques that minimize donor-site scarring.
- 3D imaging and intraoperative navigation to optimize sling placement.
- Tension-free positioning systems for natural urethral function.
- Integration of biologic reinforcement with native tissue for long-lasting results.
Recovery & Aftercare
Recovery:
- Hospital stay of 1–3 days is typical, depending on surgical approach.
- Mild pelvic soreness and temporary catheterization are expected.
- Most patients resume light activities within 1–2 weeks and full activity after 4–6 weeks.
Aftercare:
- Follow all prescribed medications (antibiotics and pain relief).
- Avoid sexual intercourse, heavy lifting, and strenuous exercise for 6–8 weeks.
- Maintain proper hydration and hygiene to prevent infection.
- Follow-up visits to assess sling function and bladder control.
- Resume gentle pelvic-floor exercises under guidance once cleared by the surgeon.
- Attend scheduled long-term follow-ups (every 6–12 months) to monitor results.
Results & Longevity
Results:
- High success rate — over 85–90% of patients experience significant or complete continence improvement.
- Restored bladder control during physical activity and stress situations.
- Improved pelvic-floor integrity and quality of life.
- Enhanced self-confidence and sexual comfort due to improved anatomical support.
Longevity:
- Results are long-lasting, often exceeding 10–15 years.
- Autologous tissue integrates naturally and maintains durability over time.
- Regular follow-up and pelvic health maintenance further extend the results.
- Very low recurrence rates compared to synthetic sling procedures.
Treatment Process in Korea
Why Korea is a Top Destination:
- Korea’s uro-gynecology specialists are internationally recognized for excellence in pelvic reconstructive surgery.
- Korean hospitals feature robotic-assisted surgical systems like da Vinci® for maximum precision.
- Strong emphasis on biologic and mesh-free surgical innovation, ensuring safety and long-term outcomes.
- Comprehensive preoperative diagnostics including urodynamic testing, pelvic MRI, and 3D ultrasound.
- Women’s hospitals offer multidisciplinary care, combining uro-gynecology, rehabilitation, and aesthetic medicine.
- International patient support with multilingual coordinators and postoperative care planning.
Typical Surgical Process:
- Consultation: Urodynamic evaluation, physical examination, and imaging to assess pelvic-floor weakness.
- Preoperative Preparation: General or regional anesthesia; donor site (abdomen or thigh) prepared for fascia harvest.
- Sling Harvesting: A small strip of the patient’s fascia is removed and shaped into a sling.
- Sling Placement: The sling is positioned beneath the urethra or bladder neck, secured tension-free to nearby ligaments or fascia.
- Closure and Recovery: Incisions are closed; a temporary catheter is placed to assist urination.
- Follow-Up: Catheter removed within a few days; follow-up visits scheduled to monitor healing and continence improvement.
Unique Korean Methods & Technology:
- Robotic-Assisted Sling Placement for enhanced accuracy and minimal invasiveness.
- Ultrasound-guided intraoperative monitoring to verify sling tension and position.
- Integration with pelvic physiotherapy for long-term muscle rehabilitation post-surgery.
- Holistic recovery programs combining medical treatment with lifestyle and wellness support.
- Aesthetic consideration in incision design for minimal visible scarring.
Cost Range (Details)
The cost of Autologous Fascia Sling Procedure in Korea varies depending on technique, hospital, and postoperative care:
- Traditional Sling Surgery: ₩ 5,000,000 – 8,000,000 KRW (≈ US $3,800 – $6,000)
- Laparoscopic or Robotic Sling: ₩ 8,000,000 – 13,000,000 KRW (≈ US $6,000 – $9,800)
- Comprehensive Package (Diagnostics + Surgery + Rehab): ₩ 10,000,000 – 15,000,000 KRW (≈ US $7,600 – $11,400)
- Postoperative Physiotherapy & Follow-Ups: ₩ 500,000 – 1,000,000 KRW (≈ US $380 – $750)
Korea’s advanced surgical precision, competitive pricing, and integrated recovery programs make it one of the best destinations for long-term SUI correction.
Popular Clinics in Korea
- Major university-affiliated women’s hospitals in Seoul with uro-gynecology departments specializing in sling and reconstructive surgery.
- Gangnam-based pelvic-floor centers combining fascia sling procedures with postpartum or menopausal rehabilitation.
- Advanced uro-gynecologic surgery units offering robotic and mesh-free solutions.
- Specialized women-only hospitals focusing on minimally invasive continence surgery.
- Medical-tourism accredited facilities providing tailored surgical programs and international patient care.
