Treatment Overview
The Desara® Blue Transobturator Sling is an advanced, minimally invasive surgical option for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in women. Manufactured by Caldera Medical, this sling uses a monofilament, large-pore polypropylene mesh with a distinctive blue color that enhances intraoperative visibility and placement accuracy.
The sling is inserted through the transobturator (TOT) approach, which passes the sling through the obturator membrane rather than behind the pubic bone, providing urethral support without entering the retropubic space.
In Korea, this procedure is performed by leading uro-gynecology specialists using high-definition endoscopic and robotic-assisted systems, ensuring precise sling positioning, minimal pain, and excellent long-term outcomes.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose:
- To correct stress urinary incontinence caused by urethral hypermobility or weak pelvic-floor support.
- To restore bladder control by reinforcing mid-urethral support and preventing urine leakage during physical activity.
- To provide a durable, low-risk alternative to open bladder suspension or multi-incision sling procedures.
Benefits:
- Single small vaginal incision with no abdominal or groin scars.
- Short operation time (15–25 minutes) with same-day discharge in most cases.
- The blue mesh enhances visibility, reducing the risk of misplacement.
- Large-pore mesh design encourages natural tissue integration and lowers erosion risks.
- Less postoperative pain and faster recovery compared to retropubic sling surgeries.
- In Korea, surgeons enhance outcomes with precision-guided techniques, 3D imaging, and micro-tension calibration for optimal sling placement.
Ideal Candidates
The Desara® Blue Transobturator Sling is ideal for:
- Women diagnosed with mild to moderate stress urinary incontinence.
- Patients with urethral hypermobility or intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD).
- Women seeking a minimally invasive solution with quick recovery.
- Postpartum or menopausal women experiencing urinary leakage during exertion.
- Patients who have not improved with conservative therapies such as pelvic exercises, EMS, or laser tightening.
Not suitable for:
- Severe pelvic-organ prolapse requiring combined reconstructive surgery.
- Active urinary tract infections or unhealed pelvic wounds.
- Patients with prior severe mesh complications or allergic reactions to polypropylene.
Possible Risks & Complications
While the Desara® Blue Sling is considered highly safe, some risks may occur:
- Temporary urinary retention or voiding difficulty.
- Mild pelvic, vaginal, or thigh discomfort for a few days.
- Light bleeding or bruising at incision sites.
- Rare mesh-related complications such as exposure or erosion (minimized by advanced mesh design).
- Rare infection or postoperative urgency.
Korean clinics minimize these risks through sterile techniques, ultra-precise placement, and use of biocompatible, high-quality mesh materials.
Surgical Techniques Used
Korean uro-gynecology centers specialize in advanced Desara® Blue Transobturator Sling placement using minimally invasive methods and refined surgical precision.
Procedure Steps:
- A small incision (about 1–1.5 cm) is made beneath the mid-urethra in the vaginal wall.
- Two tiny punctures are made near the groin to access the obturator foramen.
- The Desara® Blue Sling is inserted using specialized introducer needles that pass through the obturator membrane.
- The sling is positioned tension-free under the mid-urethra, providing natural support.
- The incisions are closed with absorbable sutures — no visible scars remain.
Korean Surgical Enhancements Include:
- 3D endoscopic imaging for detailed anatomical visualization.
- Micro-tension control systems to ensure accurate sling tension.
- Soft, lightweight monofilament mesh for natural tissue adaptation.
- Precision-guided robotic assistance in complex or recurrent incontinence cases.
- Combination with pelvic EMS or laser therapy to reinforce pelvic-floor strength.
Common Korean Techniques:
- Outside-In Transobturator Approach: Introducer needles pass from the groin toward the vaginal incision.
- Inside-Out Technique: Introducer needles pass from the vaginal incision outward, reducing tissue trauma.
- Hybrid Pelvic-Floor Procedure: Combined with rejuvenation or tightening therapy for comprehensive repair.
Recovery & Aftercare
Recovery:
- Outpatient or short-stay surgery with rapid healing.
- Most patients resume light activities within 1–2 days.
- Full recovery typically occurs within 4–6 weeks.
Aftercare:
- Avoid strenuous exercise, sexual activity, and heavy lifting for 6 weeks.
- Keep the incision area clean and dry.
- Stay hydrated and maintain a high-fiber diet to prevent constipation.
- Attend follow-up visits to assess sling positioning and bladder function.
- Korean clinics often include pelvic rehabilitation programs such as EMS, biofeedback, or physiotherapy for better long-term results.
Results & Longevity
Results:
- Significant or complete improvement in urinary control for most patients.
- Reduced or eliminated urine leakage during exertion.
- Natural urethral movement preserved for comfortable urination.
- Minimal scarring and improved pelvic support.
Longevity:
- Long-lasting results, typically 8–15 years or more.
- The large-pore polypropylene mesh ensures stable integration and reduces recurrence.
- Ongoing pelvic maintenance exercises further extend the results.
- Korean precision and individualized postoperative rehabilitation contribute to exceptional long-term success rates.
Treatment Process in Korea
Why Korea is a Top Destination:
- Korea is internationally recognized for pelvic-floor and uro-gynecologic excellence.
- Surgeons are fellowship-trained in minimally invasive and robotic continence surgery.
- Clinics utilize next-generation Desara® Blue systems, ensuring top-tier accuracy and outcomes.
- Integration of functional, aesthetic, and rehabilitative approaches for holistic pelvic recovery.
- Transparent pricing, multilingual staff, and modern facilities attract international patients.
Typical Treatment Process:
- Consultation: Detailed urodynamic testing, pelvic ultrasound, and physical evaluation.
- Anesthesia: Local or spinal anesthesia with optional sedation.
- Sling Placement: Desara® Blue Sling inserted via transobturator approach using endoscopic guidance.
- Verification: Tension and alignment confirmed to ensure natural voiding function.
- Closure: Minimal suturing with absorbable stitches.
- Observation: Short post-surgery monitoring; patient can usually go home the same day.
- Follow-Up: Scheduled at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months to evaluate results and healing progress.
Unique Korean Techniques & Technology:
- 3D pelvic imaging and robotic micro-guidance for unparalleled accuracy.
- Bioengineered blue mesh for improved visibility and placement precision.
- Micro-tension calibration preventing overcorrection.
- Combination therapy (sling + EMS or laser rejuvenation) for holistic recovery.
- Aesthetic micro-incisions for flawless, scarless results.
Cost Range (Details)
The cost of Desara® Blue Transobturator Sling Surgery in Korea varies by hospital, surgeon, and care package:
- Standard Transobturator Sling Procedure: ₩ 4,000,000 – 6,000,000 KRW (≈ US $3,000 – $4,600)
- Advanced or Robotic-Assisted Procedure: ₩ 6,000,000 – 8,000,000 KRW (≈ US $4,600 – $6,100)
- Comprehensive Pelvic Rehabilitation Package: ₩ 8,000,000 – 10,000,000 KRW (≈ US $6,100 – $7,600)
- Premium Combination Therapy (Sling + Rejuvenation): ₩ 10,000,000 – 12,000,000 KRW (≈ US $7,600 – $9,100)
Korea’s healthcare system provides global-standard surgical care at competitive rates, with advanced technology and exceptional patient-centered service.
Popular Clinics in Korea
- University-affiliated women’s hospitals specializing in pelvic-floor and incontinence surgeries.
- Gangnam uro-gynecology centers offering advanced transobturator sling systems like Desara® Blue.
- Women-exclusive hospitals combining functional repairs with aesthetic rejuvenation.
- Postpartum pelvic rehabilitation centers integrating surgery with physiotherapy and EMS strengthening.
- International women’s health hospitals providing customized care and full recovery programs.
