Treatment Overview
Fascia Lata Bladder Neck Suspension is a specialized surgical technique designed to correct stress urinary incontinence (SUI) by using the patient’s own fascia lata tissue — a strip of strong connective tissue harvested from the thigh — to support and lift the bladder neck and urethra.
This procedure restores normal bladder positioning, reinforces pelvic support structures, and prevents urine leakage during physical activities such as coughing, sneezing, or exercising.
In Korea, this surgery is performed using advanced minimally invasive and robotic-assisted methods, combining traditional anatomical correction with the latest surgical technology for superior safety, precision, and long-term continence outcomes.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose:
- To restore the natural support of the bladder neck and urethra using the patient’s own fascia lata.
- To treat stress urinary incontinence caused by bladder-neck hypermobility or weakened pelvic ligaments.
- To provide a mesh-free, biologically natural alternative to synthetic sling procedures.
- To improve bladder function, pelvic stability, and overall quality of life.
Benefits:
- Uses autologous (patient’s own) tissue, avoiding risks of mesh rejection or erosion.
- Provides long-term, durable results for stress urinary incontinence.
- Ideal for patients with prior mesh complications or allergies.
- Restores natural anatomy and function with minimal foreign material.
- Lower infection and immune reaction risks due to use of native tissue.
- Can be combined with other pelvic reconstruction or rejuvenation surgeries.
- In Korea, advanced robotic or endoscopic guidance ensures precise placement and minimal trauma.
Ideal Candidates
Fascia Lata Bladder Neck Suspension is best suited for:
- Women with moderate to severe stress urinary incontinence caused by urethral or bladder-neck descent.
- Patients who have failed conservative treatments (Kegel exercises, laser therapy, or pelvic-floor EMS).
- Women seeking a mesh-free, autologous option for bladder suspension.
- Those with complications or recurrence after synthetic sling surgeries.
- Women with strong overall health and suitable fascia donor sites (thigh area).
- Postpartum or postmenopausal women with weakened pelvic-floor tissues.
Not ideal for:
- Patients with active infections, bleeding disorders, or severe comorbidities.
- Women with complete pelvic-organ prolapse requiring multi-compartment repair.
Possible Risks & Complications
While fascia lata bladder suspension is considered safe, potential risks include:
- Mild pain or tenderness at the donor site (thigh).
- Temporary urinary retention or urgency after surgery.
- Infection or hematoma at incision sites (rare).
- Minimal scarring at the donor or abdominal incision.
- Overcorrection leading to temporary difficulty in urination.
- Rare recurrence of urinary leakage over time.
Korean hospitals minimize risks by using microsurgical harvesting techniques, robotic precision tools, and biologic graft optimization protocols for safe and efficient surgery.
Surgical Techniques Used
Korea is globally recognized for combining traditional reconstructive expertise with state-of-the-art surgical innovation in pelvic-floor surgery.
Common Techniques in Korea Include:
- Open Fascia Lata Bladder Neck Suspension:
- A strip of fascia lata (usually 8–10 cm long) is harvested from the patient’s thigh.
- The tissue is used as a sling to elevate and support the bladder neck and urethra.
- The sling ends are attached to strong pelvic ligaments or the abdominal wall for durable fixation.
- Laparoscopic / Robotic-Assisted Fascia Lata Suspension:
- Performed through small incisions using advanced imaging systems.
- The fascia lata graft is positioned and secured under robotic guidance with exceptional precision.
- Minimizes donor-site discomfort and accelerates recovery.
- Hybrid Suspension Techniques:
- Combines fascia lata sling with anterior vaginal wall repair or colposuspension for multidimensional pelvic-floor support.
- In Korea, many uro-gynecologic surgeons integrate fascia lata grafts with endoscopic guidance for anatomical accuracy.
Korean Innovations Include:
- Minimally invasive fascia harvest using micro-incisions in the thigh.
- 3D endoscopic navigation for optimal graft placement.
- Robotic suture placement systems ensuring even, tension-free suspension.
- Tissue preservation protocols that reduce trauma and accelerate healing.
- Bio-enhanced fascia treatment, improving graft integration and long-term strength.
Recovery & Aftercare
Recovery:
- Hospital stay typically 2–3 days, shorter for robotic-assisted procedures.
- Temporary catheter may be placed to ensure normal bladder function post-surgery.
- Mild soreness in the lower abdomen or thigh donor site for several days.
- Return to light daily activities within 1–2 weeks; full recovery within 4–6 weeks.
Aftercare:
- Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and sexual activity for 6–8 weeks.
- Maintain proper hygiene at incision sites.
- Attend regular follow-up appointments to evaluate healing and bladder function.
- Resume pelvic-floor strengthening exercises once cleared by the surgeon.
- Maintain a healthy weight and avoid excessive straining to protect surgical outcomes.
- Use supportive pelvic physiotherapy or EMS therapy as advised for long-term muscle balance.
Results & Longevity
Results:
- Marked improvement or complete resolution of urinary leakage in most patients.
- Strengthened pelvic-floor and bladder-neck support.
- Restoration of natural urinary control and confidence in physical activity.
- Improved overall pelvic stability and comfort.
- Enhanced quality of life and sexual well-being post-recovery.
Longevity:
- Results are long-lasting, typically 10–15 years or more.
- Autologous fascia integrates seamlessly into native tissues, ensuring durable support.
- Longevity enhanced through robotic placement and proper postoperative care.
- Regular pelvic-floor maintenance can further extend results.
Treatment Process in Korea
Why Korea is a Top Destination:
- Korea is a leader in pelvic-floor reconstructive surgery using advanced robotic and endoscopic technology.
- Surgeons are internationally trained in uro-gynecology and pelvic reconstructive techniques.
- Hospitals provide personalized treatment plans combining functional and aesthetic restoration.
- Use of native-tissue repair aligns with Korea’s focus on biocompatibility and long-term patient safety.
- Facilities feature state-of-the-art operating systems, multilingual patient care, and holistic rehabilitation programs.
Typical Surgical Process:
- Consultation & Assessment: Pelvic examination, imaging (ultrasound/MRI), and urodynamic testing.
- Preoperative Preparation: Anesthesia administered; thigh and pelvic areas prepped for surgery.
- Fascia Harvest: A small incision made on the outer thigh to extract a strip of fascia lata.
- Bladder Suspension: The fascia strip is sutured beneath the bladder neck and anchored to stable pelvic structures.
- Verification: Cystoscopy performed to ensure proper positioning and bladder integrity.
- Closure & Recovery: Incisions closed; catheter placement if needed.
- Follow-Up: Postoperative checkups at 2–6 weeks to assess healing and continence results.
Unique Korean Techniques & Technology:
- Robotic-assisted fascia placement for ultra-precise alignment.
- Microsurgical harvesting minimizing donor-site pain and scarring.
- Tissue-integrative suturing systems for natural reinforcement.
- Comprehensive rehabilitation programs combining physiotherapy and EMS training.
- Aesthetic incisions designed for invisible postoperative scarring.
Cost Range (Details)
The cost of Fascia Lata Bladder Neck Suspension in Korea depends on the surgical approach, hospital level, and included services:
- Traditional Open Surgery: ₩ 5,000,000 – 8,000,000 KRW (≈ US $3,800 – $6,000)
- Laparoscopic / Robotic-Assisted Surgery: ₩ 8,000,000 – 12,000,000 KRW (≈ US $6,000 – $9,100)
- Comprehensive Reconstructive Package (Diagnostics + Surgery + Rehab): ₩ 10,000,000 – 15,000,000 KRW (≈ US $7,600 – $11,400)
- Postoperative Physiotherapy & Follow-Up: ₩ 300,000 – 800,000 KRW (≈ US $230 – $600)
These prices include surgical fees, anesthesia, hospitalization, and postoperative care. Korea offers world-class expertise at competitive international rates.
Popular Clinics in Korea
- University-affiliated women’s hospitals in Seoul specializing in autologous sling and fascia suspension surgeries.
- Gangnam-based uro-gynecology centers offering robotic and minimally invasive fascia lata procedures.
- Women-exclusive pelvic reconstruction hospitals focused on natural-tissue repair.
- Advanced pelvic-floor rehabilitation centers integrating fascia suspension with EMS and physiotherapy.
- International patient-friendly hospitals offering full care packages and multilingual support.
