Treatment Overview
The Gynecare TVT-Exact™ Mid-Urethral Sling is a refined evolution of the original Gynecare TVT™ (Tension-Free Vaginal Tape) system, designed by Ethicon (Johnson & Johnson). It provides an effective and minimally invasive solution for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in women by supporting the urethra through a tension-free polypropylene mesh positioned at the mid-urethra.
This newer generation sling offers shorter, more precise insertion needles and improved control during placement, reducing the risk of complications while maintaining the excellent long-term success rate of the original TVT procedure.
In Korea, the TVT-Exact™ is widely used in leading uro-gynecology and pelvic-floor surgery centers, where surgeons combine 3D endoscopic visualization, robotic assistance, and ultra-precise tension calibration to deliver superior functional and aesthetic results.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose:
- To treat stress urinary incontinence caused by weakened pelvic-floor tissues or urethral hypermobility.
- To provide natural urethral support by reinforcing mid-urethral positioning.
- To offer an advanced, less traumatic version of the traditional TVT sling surgery.
Benefits:
- Smaller needles minimize tissue trauma and risk of bladder injury.
- Shorter operative time (15–25 minutes) with same-day recovery.
- Tension-free design preserves normal urinary function.
- High long-term success rate (85–95%) for eliminating urine leakage.
- Less postoperative pain due to reduced tissue dissection.
- In Korea, the procedure benefits from 3D imaging systems and real-time intraoperative tension adjustment, ensuring accurate sling placement tailored to individual anatomy.
Ideal Candidates
The Gynecare TVT-Exact™ Sling is ideal for:
- Women with mild to moderate stress urinary incontinence.
- Patients experiencing urinary leakage during coughing, sneezing, or physical exertion.
- Postpartum or perimenopausal women with pelvic-floor laxity.
- Those seeking a minimally invasive, proven long-term solution with quick recovery.
- Women unresponsive to non-surgical treatments like Kegel exercises, EMS therapy, or laser rejuvenation.
Not suitable for:
- Severe intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD) or advanced pelvic-organ prolapse.
- Active urinary infections or untreated pelvic inflammation.
- Patients with a history of mesh complications or allergies to synthetic materials.
Possible Risks & Complications
Although the TVT-Exact™ has a very strong safety record, some minor risks may occur:
- Temporary urinary retention or mild voiding difficulty.
- Slight pelvic or groin discomfort after surgery.
- Small risk of bladder perforation (significantly reduced with shorter needles).
- Minimal vaginal bleeding or bruising.
- Rare cases of mesh exposure or erosion.
Korean hospitals minimize these risks through endoscopic verification, ultra-precise robotic assistance, and use of advanced, biocompatible mesh materials specifically optimized for soft-tissue healing.
Surgical Techniques Used
The Gynecare TVT-Exact™ Sling Procedure in Korea follows the same fundamental principles as the traditional retropubic sling technique, but with enhanced safety and precision due to its design improvements and Korean surgical refinements.
Procedure Steps:
- A small vaginal incision is made beneath the mid-urethra.
- Two tiny puncture sites are created above the pubic bone.
- The TVT-Exact™ sling is inserted using shorter introducer needles via the retropubic route.
- The sling is positioned tension-free under the mid-urethra to support normal bladder control.
- The mesh ends are adjusted and trimmed, followed by closure with absorbable sutures.
Korean Surgical Enhancements Include:
- 3D endoscopic visualization for detailed anatomic mapping.
- Robotic-assisted precision in complex or recurrent cases.
- Micro-tension adjustment systems ensuring natural urethral mobility.
- High-definition ultrasound or cystoscopic guidance to confirm proper placement.
- Hybrid approaches combining TVT-Exact™ placement with pelvic rejuvenation or laser therapy.
Commonly Performed Korean Variants:
- Standard Retropubic TVT-Exact™: For general stress urinary incontinence correction.
- TVT-Exact™ with HIFU or RF Support: Enhances tissue tone and pelvic-floor firmness.
- Robot-Assisted TVT-Exact™: Used in high-precision cases or after prior failed incontinence surgery.
Recovery & Aftercare
Recovery:
- Outpatient or 1-day hospital procedure with minimal downtime.
- Mild discomfort and swelling typically subside within 1–2 days.
- Most patients return to normal daily activities within 2–3 days.
- Complete recovery and tissue integration occur within 4–6 weeks.
Aftercare:
- Avoid strenuous activity, sexual intercourse, and heavy lifting for 6 weeks.
- Maintain pelvic hygiene and adequate hydration.
- Prevent constipation to reduce pelvic pressure.
- Follow scheduled checkups for sling evaluation and bladder function tests.
- Korean clinics often incorporate postoperative EMS therapy, biofeedback, and pelvic-floor physiotherapy to enhance long-term continence.
Results & Longevity
Results:
- Immediate or rapid improvement in urinary control post-surgery.
- Natural urination restored without obstruction.
- Enhanced pelvic-floor strength and stability.
- Improved quality of life and self-confidence.
Longevity:
- Results typically last 10–15 years or longer with proper care.
- Minimal recurrence rates due to improved mesh design and Korean precision techniques.
- Ongoing pelvic maintenance and rehabilitation extend effectiveness even further.
Treatment Process in Korea
Why Korea is a Top Destination:
- Korea is a global leader in pelvic-floor and uro-gynecologic surgery, known for high surgical precision and innovation.
- Surgeons are fellowship-trained in advanced mid-urethral sling techniques.
- Hospitals are equipped with next-generation Ethicon systems and robotic assistance.
- Comprehensive care includes diagnosis, customized surgery, and postoperative pelvic rehabilitation.
- Transparent pricing, multilingual staff, and high success rates attract international patients.
Typical Procedure Flow:
- Consultation: Detailed pelvic evaluation and urodynamic testing.
- Anesthesia: Local, spinal, or light general anesthesia.
- Sling Placement: TVT-Exact™ tape inserted and adjusted using 3D visualization.
- Verification: Placement confirmed by cystoscopy or ultrasound.
- Closure: Minimal suturing using absorbable materials.
- Observation: Short recovery period before discharge.
- Follow-Up: Appointments at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months for recovery monitoring.
Unique Korean Innovations:
- 3D laparoscopic and robotic visualization for unparalleled precision.
- Micro-tension feedback sensors for precise sling calibration.
- Ultralight, flexible mesh tailored for improved biocompatibility.
- Hybrid sling + rejuvenation protocols for functional and aesthetic enhancement.
- Aesthetic micro-suturing ensuring scarless healing.
Cost Range (Details)
The cost of Gynecare TVT-Exact™ Mid-Urethral Sling Surgery in Korea varies based on the hospital, surgeon, and care package:
- Standard TVT-Exact™ Sling Surgery: ₩ 5,000,000 – 7,000,000 KRW (≈ US $3,800 – $5,300)
- Advanced or Robotic-Assisted TVT-Exact™: ₩ 8,000,000 – 10,000,000 KRW (≈ US $6,100 – $7,600)
- Comprehensive Pelvic Rehabilitation Package: ₩ 10,000,000 – 13,000,000 KRW (≈ US $7,600 – $9,900)
- Hybrid Pelvic Rejuvenation Program: ₩ 12,000,000 – 15,000,000 KRW (≈ US $9,100 – $11,400)
Korea’s medical centers deliver international-quality outcomes with transparent pricing, advanced facilities, and dedicated recovery programs.
Popular Clinics in Korea
- University-affiliated women’s hospitals specializing in TVT and mid-urethral sling surgery.
- Gangnam uro-gynecology centers offering TVT-Exact™ and robotic-assisted procedures.
- Women-exclusive hospitals focusing on continence and pelvic-floor restoration.
- Postpartum pelvic rehabilitation clinics integrating sling surgery with physiotherapy.
- International medical centers providing personalized care for overseas patients.
