Treatment Overview
Mid-urethral sling surgery is a minimally invasive procedure designed to treat stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in adults, primarily women. The procedure involves placing a thin sling under the mid-portion of the urethra to provide support and prevent urine leakage during activities that increase abdominal pressure, such as coughing, sneezing, or exercising. Korea is recognized internationally for its expertise in pelvic floor surgery, offering advanced surgical techniques, state-of-the-art facilities, and experienced urologists and gynecologists for both local and international patients.
Purpose & Benefits
The primary purpose of mid-urethral sling surgery is to restore continence and improve quality of life. Key benefits include:
- Effectively reduces or eliminates stress urinary incontinence
- Minimally invasive with smaller incisions and faster recovery
- High long-term success rates
- Improves confidence and daily functioning
- Can be combined with other pelvic floor procedures if needed
Korean hospitals provide personalized surgical planning to ensure optimal sling placement and successful outcomes.
Ideal Candidates
Ideal candidates for mid-urethral sling surgery include:
- Women experiencing stress urinary incontinence due to weakened pelvic floor muscles or post-childbirth changes
- Patients who have not responded to conservative treatments such as pelvic floor exercises, medications, or lifestyle modifications
- Adults in good general health without active urinary tract infections
- Medically suitable candidates for anesthesia and surgery
Preoperative evaluations include a thorough pelvic examination, urinalysis, and urodynamic studies to confirm diagnosis and determine the best sling approach.
Possible Risks & Complications
Mid-urethral sling surgery is generally safe, but potential risks include:
- Temporary urinary retention
- Sling erosion or exposure
- Urinary tract infections
- Bladder or urethral injury during surgery
- Pain or discomfort in the pelvic area
- Rare complications such as bleeding or allergic reactions
Korean surgeons minimize risks through advanced surgical techniques, careful placement, and post-operative monitoring.
Techniques & Technology Used
Advanced techniques used in Korea include:
- Retropubic or transobturator approaches depending on patient anatomy and surgeon preference
- Minimally invasive placement with small incisions to reduce recovery time and scarring
- Real-time imaging guidance to ensure precise sling positioning
- Integration with urodynamic testing to evaluate bladder function pre- and post-surgery
- Postoperative monitoring to detect early complications
These techniques ensure effective symptom resolution and patient safety.
Treatment Process in Korea
The treatment process typically includes:
- Preoperative assessment including urinalysis, pelvic exam, and urodynamic testing
- Surgery performed under general or regional anesthesia, usually lasting 1–2 hours
- Observation and recovery in hospital for 24–48 hours depending on the patient
- Follow-up appointments to monitor healing and continence improvement
- Pelvic floor therapy may be recommended to support recovery
Multilingual coordinators assist international patients with scheduling, travel, and aftercare guidance.
Recovery & After-Care
Recovery is generally smooth and faster due to the minimally invasive nature of the procedure. Aftercare includes:
- Avoiding heavy lifting and strenuous activity for 4–6 weeks
- Maintaining hydration and a high-fiber diet to prevent constipation
- Monitoring urinary output and reporting any retention or leakage
- Attending follow-up visits to assess sling function and healing
- Performing pelvic floor exercises if recommended
Most patients resume normal activities within 2–4 weeks.
Results & Longevity
Mid-urethral sling surgery in Korea has high success rates, with over 85–90% of patients experiencing significant improvement in stress urinary incontinence. Results are long-lasting, and repeat procedures are rarely required. Patients generally experience improved confidence, social functioning, and lifestyle quality.
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
Korea is preferred for mid-urethral sling surgery due to:
- Highly skilled urologists and gynecologists specializing in pelvic floor surgery
- Advanced minimally invasive techniques with high precision
- Short hospital stays and fast recovery protocols
- Integration of pre- and postoperative urodynamic assessments
- Multilingual support for international patients
- Transparent, cost-effective treatment packages
Patients benefit from expert care, precise surgery, and excellent post-operative follow-up.
Cost Range
The cost of mid-urethral sling surgery in Korea typically ranges from USD 5,000 to USD 9,000, depending on:
- Hospital category and surgical approach
- Type of sling used (synthetic or autologous)
- Length of hospital stay and follow-up care
Hospitals offer comprehensive packages covering all surgical and recovery steps for international patients.
Popular Clinics in Korea
- Asan Medical Center – Urology & Female Pelvic Medicine Clinic
- Seoul National University Hospital – Urology & Pelvic Floor Program
- Samsung Medical Center – Minimally Invasive Sling Surgery Unit
- Severance Hospital (Yonsei University) – Urology & Female Pelvic Health Clinic
- Korea University Anam Hospital – Outpatient Urology & Pelvic Surgery Center
- Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital – Female Pelvic Floor & Continence Surgery Unit
