Treatment Overview
The Restorelle Y-Mesh Sling Suspension represents an advanced surgical solution aimed at supporting the pelvic floor and urethral region in the management of female and male incontinence and pelvic-organ prolapse. Originally developed for bridging support (commonly in sacrocolpopexy), its ultra-lightweight Y-shaped mesh design is increasingly applied by Korean uro‐gynecologic specialists for urethral sling–type procedures when anatomical support of the mid‐urethra or bladder neck is required.
In Korea, surgeons integrate this mesh with tension-free sling placement techniques and robot- or endoscope-assisted positioning to optimize support of the urethra/bladder neck complex while preserving normal voiding function.
Purpose & Benefits
Purpose:
- To treat stress urinary incontinence (SUI) by reinforcing the mid‐urethral or bladder-neck support structures.
- To restore bladder control by providing a permanent structural scaffold under or around the urethra and adjacent pelvic tissues.
- To serve as a durable alternative to older sling materials, particularly when advanced anchoring / fixation is required.
Benefits:
- Y-mesh configuration enables broad, stable anchorage while preserving tissue flexibility. coloplast.ca+1
- Ultra-lightweight “Smartmesh®” technology permits better tissue integration and lower palpability/erosion rates. coloplastprofessional.us+1
- Korean centers routinely combine this mesh with high-definition visualization, micro-tension control, and precision surgical technique for optimized placement.
- Durable structural support helps maintain continence while reducing recurrence risk when performed by experienced surgeons.
Ideal Candidates
The Restorelle Y-Mesh Sling Suspension is suitable for:
- Women (and in selected cases men) with moderate stress urinary incontinence due to urethral hypermobility or weakened support tissues.
- Patients who require a more permanent scaffold rather than only a simple mid-urethral tape.
- Individuals who have not achieved adequate results with non‐surgical therapies like pelvic‐floor exercises, lasers, or EMS.
- Patients in good general health, without active infection or major tissue compromise, and who accept the implantable nature of the mesh.
Not suitable for:
- Individuals with active urinary tract or pelvic infection.
- Patients with severe intrinsic urethral sphincter deficiency only (without support-related leakage).
- Those with prior mesh complications unless thoroughly evaluated.
- Women desiring future pregnancies (as implanted permanent mesh may complicate future pelvic changes).
Possible Risks & Complications
Even with high-quality mesh and expert technique, risks exist:
- Temporary urinary retention or difficulty emptying post-surgery.
- Post‐operative pain, bleeding, or bruising at surgical/incision sites.
- Mesh exposure or erosion into the vagina, urethra, or bladder (rare but documented). Coloplast -+1
- Over‐tensioning may lead to urinary obstruction; under‐tensioning may lead to persistent leakage.
- Infections, mesh migration, pelvic pain, dyspareunia (pain with intercourse) in some cases.
- As with any permanent implant: risk of requiring revision or removal if complications occur.
Korean surgical teams mitigate these risks by using precise imaging, ensuring correct tension, and following strict postoperative protocols.
Surgical Techniques Used
In Korea, the Restorelle Y-Mesh Sling Suspension is performed by uro‐gynecologic surgeons using minimally invasive routes (laparoscopic, robotic, or endoscopic vaginal) adapted for urethral support rather than full prolapse repair. Techniques include:
- Placement of the Y-mesh beneath or around the mid‐urethra/bladder neck, anchored to pelvic ligaments or tissues using the arms of the “Y”.
- Use of 3D-endoscopic or robotic guidance to place mesh with high accuracy and avoid injury to bladder, urethra, nerves, or vessels.
- Tension‐free adjustment: the mesh is placed without excessive stretching to preserve urethral mobility.
- Absorbable sutures and small incisions for minimal scarring; Korean centers emphasize fast recovery protocols.
- Some centres combine the mesh placement with adjunctive therapies (pelvic-floor physiotherapy, EMS, vaginal rejuvenation) for enhanced continence support.
Recovery & Aftercare
Recovery timeline:
- Hospital stay typically 1–2 days; many patients return home same or next day.
- Initial discomfort and light activity restrictions for 1–3 days; full light activity within a week.
- Avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, or sexual intercourse for approximately 6 weeks.
- Full tissue integration and functional recovery often take 4–6 weeks.
Aftercare guidance:
- Maintain good hydration, fiber intake to avoid constipation (which can stress pelvic floor).
- Attend scheduled follow up at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months to evaluate continence, sling/mesh status, voiding function.
- Pelvic‐floor muscle training (Kegels) may be recommended; Korean clinics often offer EMS or biofeedback to strengthen support.
- Monitor for any signs of complications: bleeding, pain, urinary retention, or mesh symptoms — contact surgeon if problems arise.
Results & Longevity
Results:
- Many patients experience significant reduction or elimination of urinary leakage shortly after recovery.
- Preservation of normal voiding function, minimal foreign‐body sensation due to lightweight mesh.
- Improved pelvic stability and quality of life.
Longevity:
- The ultra‐lightweight mesh design aims for long-term durability, with low erosion rates and stable support. coloplast.ca+1
- With proper placement and patient compliance, results can last 10 years or more.
- Korean centres’ use of precise tensioning and adjunct rehabilitation enhance the durability and reduce recurrence.
Treatment Process in Korea
Why choose Korea:
- Korea is recognised internationally for advanced pelvic-floor and uro‐gynecologic surgery, high-volume centres, skilled surgeons, modern equipment.
- Use of Restorelle Y-Mesh aligns with Korean innovation in female pelvic‐health technology — with refinement of placement, materials tailored for Asian anatomy, and integrated support programmes.
- Holistic care models: pre‐operative diagnostics (ultrasound, urodynamics), high precision surgery, postoperative recovery and rehabilitation all in one facility.
- Transparent cost estimates, multilingual support (for international patients), short waiting times and high patient satisfaction.
Typical Korean pathway:
- Consultation & diagnostics: urodynamic studies, pelvic ultrasound, physical exam.
- Preoperative planning: imaging review, selection of mesh size/route, patient counselling.
- Surgery: mesh sling placed via chosen route (transvaginal, laparoscopic/robotic) under advanced visualization; tension adjusted.
- Immediate postoperative care: observation, early mobilization, discharge in 1–2 days.
- Follow-up and rehabilitation: scheduled visits at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months; pelvic‐floor training or EMS as needed.
- Long-term monitoring: at 6–12 months and yearly checks to ensure continence, tissue integration, and absence of complications.
Cost Range (Details)
While exact costs vary by hospital, surgeon, and post‐operative package, approximate ranges in Korean context for Restorelle Y-Mesh Sling Suspension (urethral support application) may be:
- Standard sling placement (mesh + surgery): ~ ₩ 4,000,000 to ₩ 6,000,000 KRW (approx US $3,000 – $4,600)
- Advanced technique (robotic assistance, custom tensioning): ~ ₩ 6,000,000 to ₩ 8,000,000 KRW (approx US $4,600 – $6,100)
- Comprehensive package (surgery + diagnostics + rehab + follow‐up): ~ ₩ 8,000,000 to ₩ 10,000,000 KRW (approx US $6,100 – $7,600)
Korea offers excellent value for advanced pelvic‐floor surgical care combining high-technology and experienced surgical teams.
