Treatment Overview
Apical Vaginal Suspension Surgery is a specialized reconstructive gynecologic procedure performed to correct vaginal vault prolapse — a condition where the top portion (apex) of the vagina descends due to weakened pelvic support structures, often following childbirth, hysterectomy, or aging. This surgery restores the normal position of the vaginal apex, reinforces pelvic ligaments, and re-establishes structural support for the bladder, uterus, and rectum.
In Korea, Apical Vaginal Suspension Surgery is part of the Women’s Health / OBGYN – Surgical Gynecology specialty and is performed using advanced minimally invasive, laparoscopic, and robotic-assisted techniques. Korean gynecologic surgeons focus on combining functional pelvic restoration with aesthetic and fertility-preserving outcomes, ensuring natural support, optimal comfort, and rapid recovery.
Purpose & Benefits
- Corrects vaginal vault prolapse or uterine prolapse after childbirth or hysterectomy.
- Restores normal pelvic anatomy and vaginal axis.
- Relieves symptoms such as vaginal bulging, pelvic heaviness, back pain, or urinary incontinence.
- Improves sexual function and quality of life.
- Prevents recurrence of prolapse by reinforcing pelvic connective tissue and ligaments.
- Minimally invasive surgical options ensure less pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery.
- Provides durable, long-term structural support for pelvic organs.
Ideal Candidates
- Women diagnosed with vaginal vault prolapse, uterine prolapse, or post-hysterectomy vault prolapse.
- Patients experiencing pelvic pressure, vaginal bulge, or urinary symptoms.
- Women with recurrent vaginal prolapse after previous repair.
- Patients desiring fertility preservation and anatomical restoration.
- Women seeking minimally invasive pelvic reconstructive surgery with aesthetic and functional benefits.
Possible Risks & Complications
Apical Vaginal Suspension is a highly safe and standardized procedure in Korea, but as with any surgery, minor risks may include:
- Mild vaginal bleeding or discharge.
- Temporary pelvic discomfort or soreness.
- Rare infection or urinary retention.
- Scar tissue formation or vaginal tightness.
- Rare recurrence of prolapse if pelvic floor exercises are not maintained.
- Mesh-related complications (very uncommon; most Korean hospitals now use mesh-free native tissue techniques).
Surgical Techniques Used
Korean hospitals use state-of-the-art pelvic reconstructive technologies and offer both native tissue and mesh-free minimally invasive repairs for optimal outcomes. Common surgical approaches include:
- Sacrospinous Ligament Fixation (SSLF): Reattaches the vaginal apex to the sacrospinous ligament for natural elevation and stability.
- Uterosacral Ligament Suspension (ULS): Reinforces native uterosacral ligaments to restore the vaginal vault’s normal position.
- Sacrocolpopexy (Laparoscopic or Robotic): Uses laparoscopic or robotic techniques to attach the vaginal apex to the sacrum using mesh or sutures, offering excellent durability.
- McCall Culdoplasty: Reinforces the vaginal cuff during or after hysterectomy to prevent future vault prolapse.
- High Uterosacral Suspension with 3D Visualization: Offers precision support and fertility-preserving results.
- Hybrid Laparoscopic-Vaginal Approach: Combines endoscopic and vaginal access for comprehensive pelvic floor reconstruction.
Korean surgeons often tailor the procedure using 3D pelvic mapping systems and ultra-precise instruments, ensuring long-term stability with minimal tissue trauma.
Recovery & Aftercare
- Hospital stay: 1–2 days; many patients discharged the next day.
- Postoperative care: Mild soreness or spotting may occur for a few days.
- Avoid sexual intercourse, tampon use, and heavy lifting for 4–6 weeks.
- Resume light walking within a few days to promote circulation.
- Follow-up visits: Scheduled at 2 weeks and 6 weeks post-surgery for evaluation.
- Pelvic floor exercises (Kegels) recommended to maintain surgical results.
- Full recovery typically achieved within 4–8 weeks.
Results & Longevity
- Immediate relief from vaginal bulging and pelvic pressure.
- Restoration of normal vaginal support and function.
- Improved urinary control and sexual function.
- Natural appearance and enhanced quality of life.
- Long-lasting results when combined with pelvic physiotherapy.
- Very low recurrence rates due to Korea’s advanced surgical expertise and technology.
Treatment Process in Korea
South Korea is globally renowned for its expertise in minimally invasive pelvic reconstructive surgery, offering world-class care for vaginal prolapse with precision and patient comfort.
Most advanced and popular surgical techniques performed in Korea:
- Laparoscopic and robotic sacrocolpopexy for precise, durable results.
- Native tissue apical suspension to avoid mesh-related complications.
- Sacrospinous and uterosacral fixation techniques for fertility preservation.
- Laser-assisted tissue tightening for improved healing and pelvic floor strength.
- 3D endoscopic and AI-guided imaging for superior anatomical accuracy.
Unique Korean methods or technology:
- Pain-free sedation and anesthesia systems for enhanced comfort.
- Mesh-free reconstruction protocols prioritizing safety and natural healing.
- Fertility-preserving pelvic reconstruction programs for premenopausal women.
- One-day surgery systems for international and working patients.
- Aesthetic-functional hybrid techniques combining prolapse repair with vaginal rejuvenation.
Why Korea is a top destination for this surgery:
- Globally certified surgeons trained in advanced pelvic reconstructive and robotic surgery.
- Hospitals equipped with 4K/3D endoscopic imaging and robotic platforms.
- Emphasis on natural results, safety, and patient satisfaction.
- Affordable treatment costs compared to Western countries.
- Exceptional aftercare, rehabilitation, and medical tourism support.
Cost Range
The cost of Apical Vaginal Suspension Surgery in Korea depends on the hospital type, technique, and surgical complexity:
- Typical Range: USD 4,000 – 8,000
- Native Tissue Sacrospinous or Uterosacral Fixation: USD 3,500 – 6,000
- Laparoscopic or Robotic Sacrocolpopexy: USD 6,000 – 10,000
- Comprehensive Surgical Package (Anesthesia, Hospital Stay, Follow-Up): USD 4,500 – 8,500
Most Korean hospitals offer transparent, all-inclusive packages, covering consultation, imaging, anesthesia, hospitalization, surgery, and postoperative care. Medical tourism programs for international patients often include translation, transfers, and hotel partnerships for recovery convenience.
Popular Clinics with Advanced Apical Vaginal Suspension Surgery in Korea
- Seoul Miz Hospital – Specializes in minimally invasive pelvic floor and vaginal reconstructive surgeries.
- MizMedi Hospital (Seoul) – Known for robotic-assisted sacrocolpopexy and natural tissue prolapse repair.
- Yoonho OB/GYN Hospital (Gangnam) – Offers advanced vaginal suspension and rejuvenation procedures.
- Gangnam Women’s Hospital – Expert in mesh-free pelvic reconstruction and aesthetic gynecology.
- Asan Medical Center (Seoul) – Korea’s top tertiary hospital offering complex laparoscopic and robotic prolapse repair.
- Samsung Medical Center (Seoul) – Global leader in pelvic reconstructive and minimally invasive women’s surgery.
- Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong – University-level center for advanced pelvic floor surgery and urogynecology.
