Treatment Overview
The Advantage Fit™ Mid-Urethral Sling Procedure is a state-of-the-art, minimally invasive surgical treatment designed to correct stress urinary incontinence (SUI) — a condition where urine leaks during activities such as coughing, sneezing, or exercise. The Advantage Fit™ system, developed by Boston Scientific, uses a tension-free polypropylene mesh sling that is placed under the mid-urethra to provide gentle, natural support.
In Korea, this procedure is performed using advanced endoscopic and robotic-guided surgical methods, ensuring precise placement, reduced trauma, and rapid recovery. The country’s uro-gynecologic surgeons are globally recognized for their expertise in pelvic-floor surgeries, combining functional restoration with refined aesthetic outcomes.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose:
- To treat stress urinary incontinence caused by urethral hypermobility or weakened pelvic-floor tissues.
- To provide tension-free support to the urethra, restoring its natural closure function.
- To serve as a long-lasting alternative to traditional bladder suspension surgeries.
Benefits:
- Minimally invasive: Small incisions and short operation time (20–30 minutes).
- Fast recovery: Patients return to normal activities quickly.
- High success rate: Over 90% effective in eliminating SUI symptoms.
- Low risk of complications and minimal scarring.
- Natural, tension-free design preserves normal urinary flow.
- In Korea, enhanced by 3D visualization systems and micro-tension calibration for precise sling placement.
Ideal Candidates
The Advantage Fit™ Sling is ideal for:
- Women with mild to moderate stress urinary incontinence.
- Patients experiencing leakage during exercise, laughing, or coughing.
- Postpartum or menopausal women with pelvic-floor weakness.
- Women who have not improved with conservative therapies such as Kegel exercises or laser treatment.
- Patients desiring a minimally invasive, quick-recovery procedure.
Not suitable for:
- Severe intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD) or advanced pelvic-organ prolapse.
- Patients with previous mesh complications or untreated infections.
Possible Risks & Complications
While the procedure is very safe, potential risks include:
- Temporary urinary retention or mild difficulty voiding.
- Slight pelvic or groin discomfort after surgery.
- Minor vaginal bleeding or bruising.
- Mesh exposure (rare with modern mesh and Korean placement precision).
- Urinary urgency or frequency (usually temporary).
Korean hospitals minimize risks with real-time endoscopic visualization, biocompatible Advantage Fit™ mesh, and customized tension adjustments to match each patient’s anatomy.
Surgical Techniques Used
Korean uro-gynecology centers utilize advanced minimally invasive techniques to ensure accuracy and comfort.
Procedure Steps:
- A small vaginal incision is made beneath the mid-urethra.
- Two tiny incisions are made above the pubic bone or groin area.
- The Advantage Fit™ sling is inserted through these incisions using specialized needles and placed under the urethra in a tension-free manner.
- Sling position is adjusted to support natural urethral closure.
- Incisions are closed with dissolvable sutures, leaving no visible scars.
Korean Variants:
- Retropubic (TVT) Approach: Sling passes behind the pubic bone, offering firm support.
- Transobturator (TOT) Approach: Sling passes through the groin for lower risk of bladder injury.
- Single-Incision Sling: Used for less invasive cases requiring smaller mesh placement.
Korean Advancements:
- 3D endoscopic imaging for real-time precision.
- Micro-tension measurement systems for exact support.
- Ultra-soft, lightweight mesh designed for comfort and natural movement.
- Robotic-assisted procedures for revision or complex incontinence cases.
Recovery & Aftercare
Recovery:
- Performed as an outpatient or short-stay surgery.
- Minimal pain and quick return to normal life (within 1–2 days).
- Full recovery and tissue integration in 4–6 weeks.
Aftercare:
- Avoid strenuous exercise, sexual activity, and heavy lifting for 6 weeks.
- Maintain hydration and pelvic hygiene.
- Attend follow-up visits to ensure proper sling placement and healing.
- Avoid constipation to reduce pelvic pressure.
- Pelvic-floor strengthening or EMS therapy may be recommended post-surgery for muscle support.
Results & Longevity
Results:
- Immediate improvement in bladder control for most patients.
- Complete or near-complete elimination of urine leakage.
- Natural urethral mobility preserved.
- Enhanced pelvic comfort and overall quality of life.
Longevity:
- Results typically last 10–15 years or longer.
- Very low recurrence rates due to advanced materials and precise placement.
- Ongoing pelvic exercises and checkups extend results further.
Treatment Process in Korea
Why Korea is a Top Destination:
- Korea leads globally in uro-gynecologic innovation and minimally invasive surgery.
- Surgeons are internationally trained in advanced sling and bladder suspension techniques.
- Clinics use the latest Advantage Fit™ systems, ensuring optimal functional and aesthetic outcomes.
- Comprehensive, personalized care from consultation to rehabilitation.
- Integration of pelvic rejuvenation therapies (laser, EMS, or HIFU) for enhanced recovery.
- Multilingual care and transparent cost packages for international patients.
Typical Procedure Flow:
- Consultation: Pelvic-floor evaluation and urodynamic testing.
- Anesthesia: Local, spinal, or light general anesthesia.
- Sling Placement: Advantage Fit™ sling inserted and positioned under direct visualization.
- Verification: Bladder checked via cystoscopy to ensure safe placement.
- Closure: Small incisions sutured with absorbable stitches.
- Observation: Bladder voiding evaluated before discharge.
- Follow-Up: Regular reviews at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months.
Korean Innovations:
- High-definition micro-endoscopy for surgical precision.
- 3D pelvic mapping for customized sling alignment.
- Hybrid robotic assistance for enhanced control.
- Functional + aesthetic integration ensuring both continence and vaginal comfort.
Cost Range (Details)
The cost of Advantage Fit™ Mid-Urethral Sling Surgery in Korea depends on the hospital type and package inclusions:
- Standard Sling Procedure: ₩ 4,000,000 – 6,000,000 KRW (≈ US $3,000 – $4,600)
- Retropubic or TOT Approach: ₩ 6,000,000 – 8,000,000 KRW (≈ US $4,600 – $6,100)
- Robotic or Combined Procedure: ₩ 8,000,000 – 12,000,000 KRW (≈ US $6,100 – $9,100)
- Comprehensive Pelvic Health Package (Diagnostics + Rehab): ₩ 10,000,000 – 14,000,000 KRW (≈ US $7,600 – $10,700)
Korea’s medical facilities offer advanced equipment, expert surgeons, and comprehensive postoperative programs, making the procedure cost-effective compared to other global destinations.
Popular Clinics in Korea
- University-affiliated hospitals specializing in pelvic-floor and incontinence surgery.
- Gangnam uro-gynecology centers offering Advantage Fit™ and other modern sling procedures.
- Women-exclusive hospitals providing combined surgical and pelvic rejuvenation care.
- Postpartum recovery and rehabilitation centers integrating sling surgery with EMS therapy.
- International patient-friendly hospitals offering customized recovery plans.
