Treatment Overview
Burch Colposuspension, often referred to as bladder suspension surgery, is a time-tested surgical procedure that restores normal bladder support by suspending the vaginal wall adjacent to the bladder neck and urethra to the pelvic sidewall ligaments (Cooper’s ligaments).
This technique repositions and stabilizes the urethra and bladder neck, preventing urine leakage during physical exertion or increased abdominal pressure — the hallmark symptom of stress urinary incontinence (SUI).
In Korea, Burch Colposuspension has evolved with the introduction of laparoscopic and robotic-assisted techniques, allowing surgeons to achieve the same excellent functional outcomes with minimal invasiveness, faster recovery, and reduced scarring.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose:
- To restore the natural anatomical position of the bladder neck and urethra.
- To provide long-term continence by reinforcing pelvic-floor support.
- To correct stress urinary incontinence due to urethral hypermobility or bladder descent.
- To offer a mesh-free, anatomical alternative to mid-urethral sling procedures.
Benefits:
- Proven long-term success and durability (10–15 years or more).
- Uses native tissue—no synthetic implants required.
- Minimally invasive approaches available (laparoscopic and robotic).
- Reduces urine leakage triggered by coughing, sneezing, or exercise.
- Low recurrence rates and natural bladder function preservation.
- Compatible with additional pelvic reconstruction or rejuvenation procedures.
- Enhances both urinary control and pelvic stability for better quality of life.
Ideal Candidates
Burch Colposuspension is suitable for:
- Women diagnosed with stress urinary incontinence due to bladder-neck hypermobility.
- Patients seeking a non-mesh bladder suspension option.
- Women who have failed conservative treatments such as pelvic-floor therapy or laser tightening.
- Individuals with good general health and normal bladder function.
- Women undergoing concomitant pelvic surgery (e.g., prolapse repair or hysterectomy).
- Patients with mild to moderate prolapse wishing to correct both structural and functional pelvic issues simultaneously.
Not recommended for:
- Patients with severe intrinsic sphincter deficiency or severe pelvic-organ prolapse unless combined with other supportive procedures.
Possible Risks & Complications
Although the surgery is highly effective and safe in experienced hands, potential risks include:
- Temporary urinary retention or difficulty voiding postoperatively.
- Bladder irritation, urgency, or mild discomfort during healing.
- Infection or minor bleeding at incision sites.
- Rare injury to bladder or urethra (identified and corrected during surgery).
- Recurrence of incontinence over many years due to tissue aging.
- Rare postoperative prolapse of other pelvic organs if pelvic floor remains weak.
Korean uro-gynecologic surgeons employ precision-guided laparoscopic or robotic systems to minimize such risks and ensure optimal results.
Surgical Techniques Used
In Korean women’s hospitals and uro-gynecology centers, the Burch Colposuspension procedure is performed using advanced and refined surgical methods:
- Open Burch Colposuspension:
- A small incision is made in the lower abdomen.
- The anterior vaginal wall (beside the urethra) is lifted and attached with permanent sutures to Cooper’s ligaments on both sides, restoring normal bladder-neck position.
- Laparoscopic Burch Colposuspension:
- Performed using keyhole incisions and a camera-assisted laparoscope for enhanced precision.
- Offers minimal scarring, less pain, and faster recovery compared to open surgery.
- Robotic-Assisted Burch Colposuspension:
- Uses the da Vinci® robotic system for enhanced 3D visualization and micro-precision suture placement.
- Ideal for complex or recurrent cases requiring exceptional anatomical accuracy.
- Combination Procedures:
- May be combined with anterior vaginal repair, colporrhaphy, or vaginal rejuvenation for comprehensive pelvic-floor correction.
- Some clinics integrate pelvic-floor EMS therapy or laser tightening postoperatively to maintain long-term results.
Recovery & Aftercare
Recovery:
- Hospital stay: typically 1–3 days depending on the surgical method.
- A temporary urinary catheter is often used for 24–48 hours post-surgery.
- Most patients resume light activities within 1–2 weeks and full recovery within 4–6 weeks (laparoscopic or robotic techniques allow faster recovery).
Aftercare:
- Avoid heavy lifting, sexual activity, and high-impact exercise for 6–8 weeks.
- Keep the incision area clean and dry; follow hygiene instructions.
- Attend all follow-up appointments to monitor bladder function and healing.
- Continue gentle pelvic-floor exercises once cleared by your surgeon.
- Maintain a healthy weight and avoid chronic coughing to prevent strain on pelvic tissues.
- Regular follow-up evaluations help ensure long-term continence.
Results & Longevity
Results:
- Marked improvement or complete resolution of urinary leakage in most patients.
- Restored pelvic-floor support and urethral stability.
- Enhanced control during physical activity and improved bladder function.
- Increased comfort and confidence in daily and intimate life.
Longevity:
- Results often last 10–15 years or longer, particularly when performed with advanced laparoscopic or robotic precision.
- Long-term durability supported by native tissue healing rather than synthetic materials.
- Routine pelvic-floor strengthening exercises can further extend results.
- In Korea, postoperative rehabilitation programs help patients maintain optimal pelvic support.
Treatment Process in Korea
Why Korea is a Top Destination:
- Korea is globally recognized for excellence in minimally invasive uro-gynecologic surgery, combining technology, expertise, and aesthetics.
- Surgeons are internationally trained and specialized in pelvic-floor reconstruction and robotic gynecology.
- Hospitals use state-of-the-art facilities equipped with laparoscopic and robotic systems.
- Comprehensive programs include diagnosis, surgery, and rehabilitation within one center.
- International patients receive multilingual care, transparent pricing, and personalized surgical planning.
Typical Surgical Process:
- Consultation & Evaluation: Urodynamic studies, pelvic ultrasound, and physical examination to assess bladder-neck mobility and pelvic support.
- Preoperative Preparation: General anesthesia; small incisions created for laparoscopic or robotic access.
- Surgery: The anterior vaginal wall near the urethra is sutured bilaterally to Cooper’s ligaments to elevate and support the bladder neck.
- Completion: Suture tension and positioning are verified for natural bladder alignment.
- Recovery: Catheter management, pain control, and observation.
- Follow-Up: Regular postoperative visits for functional assessment and healing confirmation.
Unique Korean Methods & Technology:
- Robotic precision for perfect suture symmetry and minimal trauma.
- 3D laparoscopic imaging for superior visualization of pelvic structures.
- Hybrid surgical protocols combining suspension with collagen or laser therapy for enhanced tissue tone.
- Postoperative pelvic rehabilitation using EMS, biofeedback, and physiotherapy to sustain continence.
- Aesthetic-focused incisions for reduced scarring and faster recovery.
Cost Range (Details)
The cost of Burch Colposuspension (Bladder Suspension Surgery) in Korea varies depending on hospital type, surgical method, and technology used:
- Open Surgery: ₩ 4,000,000 – 6,000,000 KRW (≈ US $3,000 – $4,600)
- Laparoscopic Surgery: ₩ 6,000,000 – 9,000,000 KRW (≈ US $4,600 – $6,900)
- Robotic-Assisted Surgery: ₩ 9,000,000 – 14,000,000 KRW (≈ US $6,900 – $10,700)
- Comprehensive Pelvic Reconstruction Packages: ₩ 10,000,000 – 16,000,000 KRW (≈ US $7,600 – $12,000)
These costs typically include consultation, anesthesia, hospitalization, and postoperative care. Korean hospitals provide highly competitive pricing for world-class surgical quality and technology.
Popular Clinics in Korea
- Top university-affiliated women’s hospitals in Seoul specializing in pelvic-floor and bladder suspension surgeries.
- Gangnam uro-gynecology centers performing minimally invasive and robotic colposuspension.
- Women-exclusive hospitals integrating pelvic reconstruction with aesthetic vaginal rejuvenation.
- Postpartum rehabilitation and uro-gynecologic care centers focusing on functional recovery and continence.
- International medical-tourism hospitals providing multilingual support and tailored surgical care for foreign patients.
