Lumbar Decompression in Seoul (Incheon), Korea: Cost, Surgeons and Hospitals
Struggling with high costs or limited access to care? Lumbar decompression in Seoul (Incheon), Korea, offers a pain-free life at low costs.
Read more to find top surgeons in Seoul!
Before and After Spine Surgery in Korea
What Is the Cost of Lumbar Decompression in Seoul (Incheon), Korea?
The cost of lumbar decompression in Seoul (Incehon), Korea, is way lower than in the West, particularly the US. However, each case is different.
To know how much it would cost in your case, fill out our medical questionnaire. Our case managers will get back to you with the details.
The hospital offers a package that:
Includes:
- Hospital, medical, & surgery fees
- Bilingual translator fees
- Hospital food as per treatment plan
Doesn't include:
- Accommodation
- Ground transfers
- Food outside the treatment plan
Lumbar Decompression in Seoul, Incheon Korea: Guide for International Patients
At MTC, we offer comprehensive support throughout your journey. Here's a detailed breakdown of the process:
Initial Assessment
- Our case managers will collect initial reports from you.
- The initial reports will include an X-ray, CT Scan, & MRI.
- You can share your reports through the following platforms:
- Wetransfer
- Drive Upload
- Dropbox
- PDF in mail
Note: The reports have to be recent (within 3 months) in order for them to be valid. If the reports are outdated, the hospital will re-evaluate your case when you reach Korea.
Expert Review & Treatment Planning
- Our expert surgeon in Seoul - Dr. Shin Jae Kim, will examine your case.
- Based on the evaluation, the doctor will share a tentative treatment plan.
Note: Online consultations are also available with the doctor on request.
On Arrival Consultation and Surgery
- Day 1 will be pre-op (consultation and treatment planning)
- The surgery is typically scheduled for the second day.
- The total treatment duration can vary based on your specific condition.
Aftercare and Follow-Up
- Upon discharge, you'll be given discharge instructions for post-surgery.
- These instructions will include - how to look after the wound, mobilization, driving, wearing braces, and more.
- The hospital will check in with you after your surgery to see how you're doing.
Note: If you have any concerns, the surgeon will provide necessary guidance or follow-up care.
Process for International Patients
The table below highlights a general timeline for lumbar decompression.
| Treatment | Duration |
| Surgery Time | ~2 hours |
| Hospitalization Time | 2-7 days |
Related Resources: Lumbar Decompression in Korea
Procedure: Lumbar Decompression in Seoul, Incheon Korea
Lumbar Decompression Surgery is a laser treatment that reduces damage leaving spinal tissue unharmed.
How Is Lumbar Decompression Surgery Done?
- Incision: A small incision is made in the lower back over the affected area of the spine.
- Muscle Retraction: The muscles and soft tissues are carefully moved aside to expose the spine.
- Decompression: The specific decompression technique used depends on the underlying cause of nerve compression:
- Laminectomy: Removal of a portion of the lamina (the bony arch at the back of the vertebra) to create more space for the spinal nerves.
- Foraminotomy: Widening of the foramen (the opening where nerve roots exit the spinal canal) to relieve pressure on the nerves.
- Discectomy: Removal of a herniated or bulging disc that is compressing a nerve.
- Spinal Fusion (if necessary): The surgeon may join two or more vertebrae together to stabilize the spine after decompression.
- Closure: The incision is closed with stitches or surgical staples.
Note: This is a general overview. The specific steps and techniques involved may vary depending on the individual's condition.
Surgeon Performing Spine Surgery in Korea
Who Is the Candidate for Lumbar Decompression?
Candidates for lumbar decompression surgery include those with:
- Difficulty walking or standing
- Persistent leg pain or numbness from spinal nerve compression
- Symptoms not relieved by conservative treatments like physical therapy or medication
What Spinal Conditions Can Be Treated Using Lumbar Decompression?
- Herniated disk: A soft spinal disk center pushes through a tear and presses on nerves[1].
- Spinal stenosis: Narrowing of the spine puts pressure on nerves. Endoscopic Decompression treats this.
- Spondylolisthesis: One bone slips over another, misaligning the spine and possibly compressing nerves.
This surgery offers additional benefits as an advanced spinal procedure.
Benefits & Risks of Lumbar Decompression
Besides easing back pain, lumbar decompression offers more benefits:
- Avoids damage to healthy discs
- Suitable for elderly and diabetic patients as it's done under general anesthesia,
- Minimally invasive with minimal scarring
- Less pain and fast recovery, but it's important to be aware of potential risks
Knowing the risks helps you make informed decisions and prepare for potential outcomes:
- Spinal fluid leakage
- Persistent or worsening pain
- Blood clots, particularly in the legs
- Possible need for additional surgery
- Infection at the spot where surgery is done
- Nerve damage causing weakness, numbness, or paralysis
Recovery After Lumbar Decompression
You can leave the hospital 1- 4 days after surgery. Most can walk within a day but should avoid strenuous activities.
Returning to work takes 4- 6 weeks, with more time needed for physically demanding jobs[2].
Precautions After Lumbar Decompression
Some points to keep in mind about the aftercare of the surgery are:
- Avoid heavy lifting
- Engage in physical therapy to help recovery
- Be aware of temporary side effects based on individual conditions
Did you know?
Korea is at the forefront of minimally invasive spine surgery, like lumbar decompression. Korea saw 606,000 foreign patients in 2023, a 144.2% increase from 2022, per the government[3].
How Successful Is Lumbar Decompression Surgery?
The success rate of lumbar decompression surgeries like laminectomy and diskectomy is 90%. Fulfilling most expectations, this procedure boasts a patient satisfaction rate of more than 75%[4].
Continue reading to discover the top Korean hospitals for lumbar decompression!
Best Hospital for Lumbar Decompression in Seoul, Korea
South Korea's top spine care center, Wooridul Spine Hospital, is JCI-accredited and has treated 550,000+ patients.
With 42+ years of expertise and a global network of 11 hospitals, it specializes in minimally invasive spine treatments.
- KHIDI Accredited
- JCI Certified
- 96% Success Rate
Incheon's largest multispecialty hospital is South Korea's leading scientific research center.
It offers the country's first medical aviation service, an advanced cancer center, and a regional trauma center.
- 55+ Years of Experience
- JCI Accredited
- MOHW Accredited
- Achievement of 500 Kidney Transplants
- Achieved 1,000 cases of high-difficulty robotic surgery
- Obtained certification as a reperfusion therapy stroke center
Best Spine Surgeons for Lumbar Decompression in Seoul, Korea
Dr. Shin-Jae Kim( Wooridul Spine Hospital )
Dr. Shin Jae Kim is currently the Director of Cheongdam Wooridul Spine Hospital.
Dr. Kim is the director of its Research and Development Center. He is also a Board Member of the Institutional Review Committee.
Chief of Neurosurgery at the Daejeon Northern Military Manpower Administration.
Education
- Chung-Ang University College of Medicine
Memberships
- AO Spine Foundation (World's Leading Spine Society)
- North American Spine Society
- The Korean Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Society (KOMISS)
Dr. Sang-Ho Lee( Wooridul Spine Hospital )
Fellow of American Board of MISS and Clinical Fellow at UFR Biomedical, Dr. Lee is a pioneer in minimally invasive spine surgery.
Founder and chairman of Wooridul Spine Hospital, he leads WCMISST, IITS, and ISMISS.
Education
- Busan National University College of Medicine
Memberships
- American Association of Neurological Surgeons
- North American Spine Society
Dr. Deuk-Soo Jun( GIL Medical Center )
Dr. Deuk-Soo Jun is the Director of the Spine Center at Gachon University Gil Medical Center.
With trainings at Cedars Sinai and Stryker Fellow in the USA, he has held major roles.
Career Experience
- Department of Orthopedics, Seoul National University Hospital, Fellow
- Hallym University Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital, Full Time Lecturer
- Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Director of Spine Center
Education
Seoul National University College of Medicine, M.D.
Why MTC for Lumbar Decompression in Seoul, Incheon Korea?
Choosing MTC for lumbar decompression in Korea ensures a hassle-free experience.
- International Accreditation: Our partner clinic is JCI accredited and leading in endoscopic spine surgery.
- Advanced Technology: The hospital uses MRI 3.0 Tesla (Siemens) for international patients. It is more accurate and provides higher-resolution images compared to regular MRI machines.
- Expert Doctors: Our partner doctors are active members of international associations like the North American Spine Society.
FAQs
How Painful Is Lumbar Decompression Surgery in Korea?
The surgery is performed under general anesthesia, so you'll be asleep and pain-free during the procedure. It typically lasts approximately 2 hours, but the duration may vary based on complexity.
Conclusion
Choose affordable lumbar decompression in Seoul (Incheon), Korea, for a healthier spine.
Ready to take the next step? Contact MTC for a personalized consultation today!
References
-
- Medical News Today: Lumbar decompression surgery: What to know
- NHS: Lumbar decompression surgery
- MOHW: More Than 600,000 International Patients Visited Korea in 2023...
- Medical News Today: How effective is lumbar decompression?
