Treatment Overview
Gynecare TVT™ Retropubic Sling in Korea is one of the most established and globally trusted surgical treatments for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in women. Developed by Ethicon (Johnson & Johnson), the TVT system uses a tension-free polypropylene mesh tape placed under the mid-urethra through a retropubic approach, providing stable urethral support and preventing leakage during exertion.
In Korea, this procedure is performed with high-definition endoscopic visualization and microsurgical precision, making it a gold-standard option in leading uro-gynecology centers. Korean surgeons are internationally recognized for their refined technique, ensuring safe sling placement, minimal discomfort, and rapid recovery.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose:
- To correct stress urinary incontinence caused by urethral hypermobility or weak pelvic-floor muscles.
- To support the mid-urethra and restore natural urinary control.
- To provide a long-term solution with proven safety and durability.
Benefits:
- Minimally invasive with small incisions.
- Tension-free design allows natural urethral mobility.
- High success rate (85–95%) in resolving urinary leakage.
- Short operation time (approximately 20–30 minutes).
- Reduced risk of recurrence and consistent long-term outcomes.
- In Korea, enhanced through 3D laparoscopic imaging, robotic guidance, and bio-tension adjustment systems for personalized precision.
Ideal Candidates
The Gynecare TVT™ Retropubic Sling is ideal for:
- Women with mild to moderate stress urinary incontinence.
- Patients with urethral hypermobility or early intrinsic sphincter deficiency.
- Postpartum or menopausal women experiencing urine leakage during exercise, coughing, or laughing.
- Patients unresponsive to non-surgical therapies such as Kegel exercises or laser tightening.
- Women seeking a well-proven, long-lasting surgical solution with quick recovery.
Not suitable for:
- Patients with severe prolapse requiring complex reconstruction.
- Women with active urinary tract infections or pelvic inflammation.
- Those with previous mesh complications or contraindications to anesthesia.
Possible Risks & Complications
The Gynecare TVT™ system has an excellent safety record, but minor risks can occur:
- Temporary urinary retention or mild voiding difficulty.
- Minor vaginal bleeding or discomfort.
- Rare bladder injury (avoided with endoscopic guidance).
- Mesh exposure or erosion (very rare with proper placement).
- Transient urgency or pelvic discomfort.
Korean clinics minimize these risks with image-guided placement, sterile technique, and biocompatible mesh materials designed for optimal tissue healing.
Surgical Techniques Used
Korean uro-gynecologic surgeons perform TVT Retropubic Sling Surgery using advanced visualization and microsurgical tools.
Procedure Steps:
- A small incision is made in the vaginal wall under the urethra.
- Two small abdominal incisions are created above the pubic bone.
- The Gynecare TVT™ mesh tape is inserted using a curved needle passer through the retropubic space.
- The tape is positioned under the mid-urethra in a tension-free manner.
- The tape ends are adjusted for natural urethral mobility and trimmed.
- Incisions are closed with absorbable sutures.
Korean Surgical Innovations Include:
- High-definition endoscopic monitoring for precise tape placement.
- Robotic-assisted sling adjustment for symmetrical positioning.
- Micro-tension calibration to prevent urinary retention or over-tightening.
- Enhanced mesh materials with improved flexibility and biocompatibility.
- Hybrid TVT procedures combining sling placement with pelvic rejuvenation or HIFU therapy.
Variants Commonly Performed in Korea:
- Standard Retropubic TVT: Traditional approach for mid-urethral support.
- TVT Exact™: Offers refined delivery system and shorter needles for precision.
- TVT Abbrevo™: Combines features of retropubic and transobturator systems for selected patients.
Recovery & Aftercare
Recovery:
- Usually a one-day procedure with minimal downtime.
- Most patients resume daily activities within 1–2 days.
- Full recovery and tissue integration occur within 4–6 weeks.
Aftercare:
- Avoid strenuous exercise, sexual activity, and heavy lifting for 6 weeks.
- Maintain proper hygiene to prevent infection.
- Attend follow-up appointments for sling evaluation and bladder assessment.
- Avoid constipation or chronic coughing to protect the sling.
- Korean clinics frequently provide postoperative EMS therapy and pelvic physiotherapy to strengthen pelvic-floor support.
Results & Longevity
Results:
- Noticeable improvement or complete resolution of urinary incontinence.
- Restored urethral support and normal bladder control.
- Natural voiding preserved due to tension-free sling design.
- Enhanced pelvic stability and quality of life.
Longevity:
- Proven durability lasting 10–20 years or longer.
- Low recurrence rates with proper placement and ongoing pelvic maintenance.
- Korean precision and rehabilitation programs enhance long-term outcomes.
Treatment Process in Korea
Why Korea is a Top Destination:
- Korea leads globally in uro-gynecology and minimally invasive pelvic surgery.
- Surgeons are fellowship-trained and internationally certified in TVT procedures.
- Hospitals use next-generation Ethicon systems with modern tension-adjustment tools.
- Comprehensive programs integrate diagnosis, surgery, and pelvic rehabilitation.
- Multilingual support and transparent pricing attract international patients.
Typical Surgical Process:
- Consultation: Pelvic evaluation, ultrasound, and urodynamic testing.
- Anesthesia: Local, spinal, or general anesthesia as needed.
- Sling Placement: TVT mesh positioned under the urethra via retropubic route.
- Verification: Bladder integrity confirmed endoscopically.
- Closure: Absorbable sutures used for minimal scarring.
- Postoperative Observation: Short monitoring period; most patients discharged same day.
- Follow-Up: Regular visits at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months for sling adjustment and function review.
Unique Korean Innovations:
- 3D laparoscopic visualization for safe, symmetrical mesh alignment.
- Robotic-assisted hybrid sling techniques for complex or recurrent SUI cases.
- Micro-suturing for cosmetic incisions with invisible scars.
- Integration with rejuvenation therapies for combined functional and aesthetic results.
- Comprehensive pelvic wellness programs including EMS, HIFU, and physiotherapy.
Cost Range (Details)
The cost of Gynecare TVT™ Retropubic Sling Surgery in Korea varies based on hospital, surgeon expertise, and care package:
- Standard TVT Sling Surgery: ₩ 4,000,000 – 6,000,000 KRW (≈ US $3,000 – $4,600)
- TVT Exact™ or Advanced Procedure: ₩ 6,000,000 – 8,000,000 KRW (≈ US $4,600 – $6,100)
- Hybrid or Robotic-Assisted TVT Surgery: ₩ 8,000,000 – 12,000,000 KRW (≈ US $6,100 – $9,100)
- Comprehensive Pelvic Rehabilitation Package: ₩ 10,000,000 – 14,000,000 KRW (≈ US $7,600 – $10,700)
Korea offers world-class uro-gynecologic care at globally competitive costs, combining advanced technology, surgical artistry, and holistic recovery.
Popular Clinics in Korea
- University-affiliated women’s hospitals specializing in pelvic-floor and continence surgery.
- Gangnam uro-gynecology centers performing advanced TVT and TOT sling procedures.
- Women-exclusive medical centers integrating surgical precision with aesthetic care.
- Postpartum pelvic wellness clinics offering TVT combined with pelvic rehabilitation.
- International women’s hospitals providing full-service care and personalized recovery for global patients.
