Treatment Overview
Colposacropexy, also known as sacrocolpopexy, is an advanced surgical procedure that restores the normal anatomical position of the vaginal vault or apex by suspending it to the sacral promontory using mesh or native tissue. It effectively corrects pelvic organ prolapse and provides robust support to the bladder and urethra, improving symptoms of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and vaginal laxity.
In Korea, colposacropexy is performed by expert uro-gynecologic and pelvic reconstructive surgeons using laparoscopic or robotic-assisted techniques for minimal invasiveness, faster recovery, and high long-term success rates. The procedure not only restores function but also focuses on aesthetic and sexual wellness outcomes, following Korea’s advanced standards in women’s health surgery.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose:
- Reconstruct and restore the vaginal apex and anterior wall to their natural positions.
- Re-establish bladder and urethral support to reduce urinary leakage.
- Correct vaginal vault or uterine prolapse while improving pelvic stability.
- Provide long-term suspension of pelvic organs using durable, biocompatible materials.
Benefits:
- Long-lasting anatomical correction with over 90% success rate.
- Significantly reduces stress urinary incontinence and bladder prolapse symptoms.
- Mesh or autologous tissue provides strong, stable pelvic-floor reinforcement.
- Minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic approaches minimize pain and scarring.
- Restores vaginal shape, length, and function for improved comfort and intimacy.
- Natural pelvic balance and posture correction post-surgery.
- Quick recovery with low recurrence rates due to precision-based surgical techniques.
Ideal Candidates
Colposacropexy is recommended for:
- Women with moderate to severe pelvic organ prolapse (POP) affecting the bladder, vagina, or uterus.
- Patients suffering from stress urinary incontinence caused by loss of pelvic support.
- Women with vaginal vault prolapse following hysterectomy.
- Those seeking long-term bladder suspension or recurrent prolapse correction after previous repairs.
- Women desiring a durable, functional, and aesthetic solution without vaginal shortening.
- Individuals healthy enough for general anesthesia and not planning future pregnancies.
Not ideal for:
- Patients with active pelvic infection, uncorrected bleeding disorders, or contraindications to surgery.
- Women preferring non-surgical pelvic-floor therapy for mild prolapse.
Possible Risks & Complications
Colposacropexy is generally very safe when performed by experienced Korean uro-gynecologic surgeons, but potential complications include:
- Mild postoperative pain or pelvic discomfort.
- Temporary urinary retention or urgency.
- Mesh-related complications (erosion, exposure, or infection — rare with modern Korean mesh technology).
- Minor bleeding or wound infection.
- Recurrence of prolapse if underlying tissues weaken over time.
- Rare injury to bladder, bowel, or ureters (identified and corrected during surgery).
Korean hospitals minimize risks through advanced preoperative evaluation, high-quality surgical mesh materials, and meticulous robotic or laparoscopic techniques.
Surgical Techniques Used
Korea leads globally in minimally invasive pelvic reconstructive surgery, utilizing both laparoscopic and robotic colposacropexy methods for optimal precision and safety.
- Traditional Open Colposacropexy:
- Involves a small abdominal incision to attach a mesh graft between the vaginal vault and the sacrum.
- Provides durable correction for complex or recurrent prolapse cases.
- Laparoscopic Colposacropexy:
- Uses small incisions and a camera-guided laparoscope for superior visualization.
- The vaginal vault is lifted and attached to the sacral ligament using mesh or fascia.
- Offers faster recovery and less postoperative discomfort than open surgery.
- Robotic-Assisted Colposacropexy:
- Performed using advanced da Vinci® robotic systems for enhanced precision, depth perception, and dexterity.
- Allows complex pelvic-floor reconstruction with smaller incisions and minimal trauma.
- Reduces recurrence rates and preserves vaginal elasticity.
- Mesh-Free (Autologous Fascia) Suspension:
- Patient’s own tissue used as support material for women avoiding synthetic mesh.
- Preferred in cases with mesh sensitivity or prior mesh complications.
Korean Innovations Include:
- High-grade biocompatible meshes with minimal erosion risk.
- 3D preoperative imaging and navigation for accurate placement.
- Hybrid procedures combining colposacropexy with colporrhaphy or vaginal rejuvenation.
- Integration of aesthetic suturing techniques for optimal internal and external outcomes.
Recovery & Aftercare
Recovery:
- Hospital stay: usually 2–4 days (shorter for laparoscopic or robotic approaches).
- Catheter placement for 24–48 hours to assist urination.
- Light activities resumed within 1–2 weeks; full recovery in 4–6 weeks.
- Minimal postoperative pain controlled with medication.
Aftercare:
- Avoid strenuous exercise, sexual activity, and heavy lifting for 6–8 weeks.
- Maintain genital hygiene to prevent infection.
- Attend scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor healing and mesh integration.
- Gradually resume pelvic-floor exercises once approved by your doctor.
- Maintain healthy weight and posture to preserve pelvic support.
- Long-term follow-ups recommended every 6–12 months for pelvic health assessment.
Results & Longevity
Results:
- Significant improvement or complete correction of prolapse and urinary incontinence symptoms.
- Restoration of bladder support, vaginal shape, and functional balance.
- Enhanced comfort during physical activity and intimacy.
- Reduction in pelvic pressure, bulging sensation, and bladder frequency.
Longevity:
- Results are long-term and durable, lasting 10–20 years or more.
- High satisfaction rates with minimal recurrence when performed with modern Korean techniques.
- Maintenance pelvic-floor exercises and proper aftercare extend surgical results.
- Robotic and laparoscopic methods show higher success and lower recurrence compared to traditional approaches.
Treatment Process in Korea
Why Korea is a Top Destination:
- Korea is internationally recognized for excellence in uro-gynecology, robotic surgery, and pelvic-floor reconstruction.
- Specialized women’s health centers offer comprehensive care—from diagnosis to rehabilitation.
- Surgeons are fellowship-trained and use cutting-edge robotic and laparoscopic systems.
- Customized surgical plans focus on both functional recovery and aesthetic vaginal outcomes.
- International patients benefit from multilingual care, transparent costs, and holistic aftercare programs.
- Postoperative rehabilitation integrates pelvic physiotherapy, EMS therapy, and biofeedback for lasting results.
Typical Surgical Process:
- Consultation: Pelvic examination, urodynamic testing, and imaging (MRI or ultrasound) to evaluate prolapse and bladder support.
- Preoperative Planning: Surgical approach (laparoscopic, robotic, or open) decided based on anatomy and severity.
- Anesthesia & Procedure: Under general anesthesia, the vaginal apex is attached to the sacrum using mesh or fascia to re-establish support.
- Completion: Bladder function tested intraoperatively to confirm stability.
- Postoperative Care: Catheter management, mobilization, and recovery monitoring.
- Follow-Up: Regular postoperative reviews to evaluate tissue healing, bladder control, and pelvic-floor strength.
Unique Korean Techniques & Technology:
- Robotic-assisted 3D visualization for deep pelvic precision.
- Hybrid reconstruction methods integrating aesthetic vaginal tightening.
- Advanced absorbable or lightweight mesh materials for safer tissue integration.
- Pelvic rehabilitation programs combining physical therapy, EMS, and lifestyle coaching post-surgery.
- Holistic approach: Functional restoration, cosmetic harmony, and psychological wellness are equally prioritized.
Cost Range (Details)
The cost of Colposacropexy (Bladder Suspension Surgery) in Korea depends on the surgical technique, hospital type, and complexity:
- Open Colposacropexy: ₩ 5,000,000 – 8,000,000 KRW (≈ US $3,800 – $6,000)
- Laparoscopic Colposacropexy: ₩ 7,000,000 – 10,000,000 KRW (≈ US $5,300 – $7,600)
- Robotic-Assisted Colposacropexy: ₩ 10,000,000 – 15,000,000 KRW (≈ US $7,600 – $11,400)
- Comprehensive Pelvic Reconstruction Packages: ₩ 12,000,000 – 18,000,000 KRW (≈ US $9,100 – $13,700)
These fees typically include diagnostics, surgery, anesthesia, hospital stay, and postoperative care. Korea’s advanced technology and competitive pricing make it a leading global destination for pelvic-floor reconstruction.
Popular Clinics in Korea
- Top university-affiliated women’s hospitals with dedicated uro-gynecology departments.
- Gangnam pelvic reconstructive centers offering robotic and laparoscopic colposacropexy.
- Specialized women-only clinics integrating surgical correction with pelvic rehabilitation.
- Postpartum pelvic wellness hospitals providing combined prolapse repair and functional restoration.
- International medical centers catering to foreign patients with concierge-style surgical services.
