Treatment Overview
Open Prostatectomy is a traditional surgical procedure for treating enlarged prostates, primarily caused by Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) or in some cases prostate cancer. Unlike minimally invasive techniques, open prostatectomy involves a larger incision to remove obstructing prostate tissue. In Korea, open prostatectomy is performed at specialized urology centers with experienced surgeons, providing effective symptom relief, particularly for very large prostates where minimally invasive procedures may not be suitable.
Purpose & Benefits
The primary purpose of open prostatectomy is to remove significant portions of enlarged prostate tissue to relieve urinary obstruction and improve quality of life. Key benefits include:
- Effective relief from severe urinary obstruction
- Suitable for very large prostate glands where other procedures may not be effective
- High success rates in symptom improvement
- Ability to address complex cases or concurrent bladder issues
- Direct visualization of the prostate during surgery ensures thorough tissue removal
Ideal Candidates
Ideal candidates for open prostatectomy include:
- Men with very large prostate glands (usually over 80–100cc)
- Patients with moderate to severe BPH symptoms that cannot be managed by medication
- Individuals with concurrent bladder stones or diverticula
- Men for whom minimally invasive procedures such as TURP, HoLEP, or laser therapies are unsuitable
- Patients in good general health who can tolerate anesthesia and surgery
Possible Risks & Complications
Open prostatectomy carries potential risks typical of major surgery:
- Bleeding during or after surgery
- Infection at the incision site or internally
- Urinary incontinence, usually temporary
- Erectile dysfunction or retrograde ejaculation
- Blood clots or anesthesia-related complications
- Longer recovery time compared to minimally invasive procedures
Techniques & Technology Used
Korean urology centers performing open prostatectomy use modern surgical tools and imaging for precision. The procedure involves:
- Making an abdominal or suprapubic incision to access the prostate
- Direct removal of obstructing prostate tissue
- Reconstruction of the bladder and urinary tract
- Careful hemostasis to minimize blood loss and complications
Treatment Process in Korea
The typical open prostatectomy process includes:
- Initial Consultation: Review of symptoms, prostate size, and medical history
- Diagnostic Testing: Blood tests, urinalysis, imaging, and sometimes cystoscopy
- Procedure Preparation: Administration of general anesthesia and preoperative care
- Surgery: Open removal of obstructing prostate tissue via abdominal or suprapubic approach
- Postoperative Monitoring: Hospital stay for 3–7 days with catheter management, pain control, and follow-up care
Recovery & After-Care
Recovery from open prostatectomy is longer than minimally invasive procedures:
- Catheter remains in place for 1–2 weeks
- Patients may require hospitalization for several days
- Gradual resumption of daily activities over 4–6 weeks
- Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity during recovery
- Follow-up visits monitor urinary function, healing, and any complications
Results & Longevity
Open prostatectomy provides durable relief for severe BPH:
- Significant improvement in urinary flow and reduction of obstruction symptoms
- Long-term durability, especially for very large prostates
- High patient satisfaction due to effectiveness in complex cases
- Potential need for additional procedures is low when performed by experienced surgeons
- Symptom relief can last many years with proper follow-up
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
Korea is a leading destination for open prostatectomy due to:
- Highly experienced urologists specializing in complex prostate surgery
- Advanced surgical facilities and post-operative care
- Comprehensive care for international patients, including travel and translation services
- Affordable costs compared to Western countries
- High standards of safety, hygiene, and patient monitoring
Cost Range
The cost of open prostatectomy in Korea typically ranges from $8,000 to $15,000, depending on:
- Hospital reputation and surgeon experience
- Length of hospital stay
- Inclusion of pre-operative evaluation, anesthesia, and post-operative care
Popular Clinics in Korea
Some of the top clinics offering open prostatectomy in Korea include:
- Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul
- Asan Medical Center, Seoul
- Samsung Medical Center, Seoul
- Severance Hospital, Yonsei University, Seoul
- Bundang CHA Hospital, Seongnam
