Treatment Overview
Prostatic stent placement is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat urinary obstruction caused by Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) or other prostate-related conditions. The procedure involves inserting a small, self-expanding stent into the urethra to keep it open, allowing urine to flow freely from the bladder. In Korea, prostatic stent placement is offered at specialized urology centers equipped with advanced endoscopic and imaging technologies, providing a safe and effective alternative to surgery for patients who are not ideal candidates for traditional procedures.
Purpose & Benefits
The main purpose of prostatic stent placement is to relieve urinary obstruction and improve quality of life. Key benefits include:
- Immediate improvement in urinary flow
- Minimally invasive with no large surgical incision
- Outpatient procedure with rapid recovery
- Suitable for patients unfit for surgery due to age or comorbidities
- Reduced risk of bleeding and other surgical complications
- Can serve as a temporary or permanent solution depending on the patient’s condition
Ideal Candidates
Ideal candidates for prostatic stent placement include:
- Men with moderate to severe urinary obstruction from BPH
- Patients who cannot undergo TURP, laser therapies, or open surgery due to health risks
- Elderly patients with multiple comorbidities
- Individuals seeking rapid symptom relief without invasive surgery
- Patients requiring temporary relief before definitive therapy
Possible Risks & Complications
Although prostatic stent placement is generally safe, potential risks may include:
- Temporary urinary discomfort or urgency
- Urinary tract infection
- Hematuria (blood in urine)
- Stent migration or displacement
- Encrustation or blockage of the stent over time
- Rare need for stent removal or replacement
Techniques & Technology Used
Korean clinics use advanced endoscopic and imaging technology for precise stent placement. The procedure involves:
- Insertion of a cystoscope or specialized delivery system through the urethra
- Placement of a self-expanding metallic or polymer stent at the site of obstruction
- Real-time imaging to ensure proper positioning
- Monitoring to minimize trauma to surrounding tissues and prevent complications
Treatment Process in Korea
The typical prostatic stent placement process includes:
- Initial Consultation: Review of urinary symptoms, prostate size, and medical history
- Diagnostic Testing: Blood tests, urinalysis, PSA testing, and imaging as needed
- Procedure Preparation: Local or spinal anesthesia and mild sedation
- Stent Placement Procedure: Insertion and deployment of the stent under endoscopic guidance
- Post-Procedure Monitoring: Short observation period; most patients discharged the same day
Recovery & After-Care
Recovery after prostatic stent placement is generally quick:
- Mild urinary discomfort or urgency may occur for a few days
- Most patients resume normal activities within 1–2 days
- Hydration is recommended to reduce risk of infection or encrustation
- Follow-up visits to monitor stent position and urinary function
- Temporary stents may require removal or replacement after several months
Results & Longevity
Prostatic stent placement provides effective relief for urinary obstruction:
- Immediate improvement in urinary flow
- High patient satisfaction due to minimal invasiveness
- Long-term relief possible with permanent stents
- Temporary stents offer symptom relief until definitive therapy is performed
- Low complication rates when performed at experienced centers
Why Korea Is a Top Destination
Korea is a leading destination for prostatic stent placement due to:
- Advanced urology centers with experienced specialists
- Cutting-edge endoscopic and imaging technologies
- Affordable treatment costs compared to Western countries
- Comprehensive support for international patients, including travel, translation, and post-procedure care
- High standards of safety, hygiene, and patient monitoring
Cost Range
The cost of prostatic stent placement in Korea typically ranges from $3,500 to $7,000, depending on:
- Type of stent (temporary vs permanent)
- Clinic and specialist experience
- Inclusion of pre-procedure diagnostics, anesthesia, and follow-up care
Popular Clinics in Korea
Some of the top clinics offering prostatic stent placement in Korea include:
- Seoul Urology & Andrology Clinic
- JK Male Health Center, Seoul
- Korea Men’s Health Institute, Seoul
- VIP Male Clinic, Gangnam
- Dr. Kim’s Urology Clinic, Busan
