Lumbar Discectomy in Seoul (Incheon), Korea: Safe & Affordable
Affordable lumbar discectomy in Seoul (Incheon), Korea, offers permanent relief from back pain. Get quality treatment in Seoul’s top hospitals by skilled spine doctors.
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Expert Spine Surgeons in Seoul, Korea
What Is the Cost of Lumbar Discectomy in Seoul (Incheon), Korea?
The cost of lumbar discectomy in Seoul (Incheon), 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.
See below for a clear overview of what's included and excluded in the cost.
Included:
- Hospital, medical & surgery fees
- Bilingual translator fees
- Hospital food as per treatment plan
Excluded:
- Accommodation
- Ground transfers
- Food outside the treatment plan
Lumbar Discectomy in Seoul: A Roadmap for International Patients
At MTC, we offer comprehensive support throughout your journey. Here's a detailed breakdown of the process:
1. Initial Assessment
2. Expert Review & Treatment Planning
3. On Arrival Consultation and Surgery
4. Aftercare and Follow-Up
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If the reports are outdated, the hospital will re-evaluate your case when you reach Korea.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.
The table below highlights a general timeline for discectomy treatment.
| Treatment | Duration |
| Surgery Time | 2 hours |
| Hospitalization Time | 2-7 days |
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 Spine Surgery in Korea
Related Resources: Scoliosis Surgery in Korea
Procedure: Lumbar Discectomy in Seoul, Incheon Korea
Lumbar discectomy is a procedure that removes a portion of a damaged spinal disk. This surgery reduces the pressure on your nerves, lowering the pain.
It's typically performed to relieve symptoms caused by a lumbar disk herniation.
How Is Lumbar Discectomy Performed in Seoul, Incheon, Korea?
Here are the steps followed during the lumbar discectomy:
Preparation
You’ll be given anesthesia and positioned face-down on the operating table.
Incision
A small incision will be made in your back, and your muscles will be gently separated to access the spine.
Laminotomy
A small opening will be created in the lamina to reach the herniated disc.
The lamina is the back part of each spine bone that forms the roof of the spinal canal.
Disc Removal
The surgeon will remove the ruptured part of the disc, easing the pressure on your nerve.
Closure
Finally, the incision will be closed with sutures or staples.
Who Is the Right Candidate for the Treatment?
You might be a suitable candidate for a discectomy if:
- Your diagnostic tests like MRI, CT, or myelogram reveal a herniated disc.
- You experience severe pain, weakness, or numbness in your leg or foot.
- Your leg pain (sciatica) is more intense than your back pain.
- Symptoms persist despite physical therapy or medication.
- You have leg weakness, loss of sensation in the genital area, or loss of bladder or bowel control (cauda equina syndrome).
What Conditions Can Be Treated Using Lumbar Discectomy in Korea?
Lumbar discectomy in Korea can treat several conditions, including:
- Herniated Disc: It occurs when a disc's inner material pushes out. This situation compresses your nerves, causing pain.
- Sciatica: It results in leg pain due to a herniated disc pressing on your sciatic nerve.
- Spinal Stenosis: Narrowing of your spinal canal can compress nerves, causing pain or weakness.
- Cauda Equina Syndrome: It compresses nerves at the spine's base, affecting bladder control.
These conditions are treatable with lumbar discectomy, especially if other treatments haven't worked.
What is a Herniated Disc?
A herniated disc is when a soft cushion between spine bones pushes out of place.
This cushion can press on nerves, causing pain or weakness.
It's like jelly squeezing out of a doughnut and pressing on something nearby.
Benefits & Risks of Getting Lumbar Discectomy
Lumbar discectomy offers several advantages, including:
- Short hospital stays and faster return to daily activities.
- Less pain after surgery due to techniques that make smaller cuts and incisions.
- The procedure is associated with minimal blood loss.
Lumbar discectomy, while generally safe, carries some risks and complications. These can include:
- An accidental tear in the spine's tissue can cause spinal fluid leakage. It can lead to headaches or other issues.
- Damage to the nerve root may result in pain, numbness, or tingling in the affected area.
- Neurological problems could cause weakness or, in severe cases, paralysis.
- Wound complications, such as infection or poor healing, might slow down recovery.
- The disc could herniate again, leading to symptoms similar to those before.
- In some cases, additional surgery may be required to address these complications, extending recovery time.
Recovery After Surgery
Recovery time is typically 2-6 weeks, with varying symptoms. You'll need to avoid sitting for long periods and might feel more tired than usual.
Physical therapy may be recommended; consult your doctor for specific advice. Showering instructions and stitch removal timelines will depend on your procedure.
Be sure to keep the wound clean and dry to prevent infection. Walking might be challenging initially, but you should gradually return to your normal pace.
Post-Operative Care
Proper post-operative care is essential for a smooth recovery after lumbar discectomy. Here's a brief guide for your first few weeks after surgery.
- Practice good posture to reduce stress on your spine.
- Exercise regularly to strengthen your back and abdominal muscles, providing better support.
- Avoid activities that strain your back, especially heavy lifting or repetitive bending.
- Quit smoking! Nicotine weakens disc tissue, increasing the risk of another herniation.
Minimally Invasive Lumbar Discectomy in Korea
Minimally invasive lumbar discectomy in Korea treats herniated discs with less trauma.
It's ideal for patients seeking advanced treatment with minimal disruption to their lives.
Did you know?
Open discectomy is still the top choice for lumbar surgery in Korea. PELD patients typically spend ~7 days in the hospital, compared to ~20 days for spinal fusion.[1]
Watch our expert spine surgeon - Dr. Shin Jae Kim talking about Korea's success in MISS.
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery in Seoul, Korea
Best Hospital for Lumbar Discectomy in Seoul, Incheon 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
- World's Best Smart Hospitals 2023 by Newsweek
- Healthcare Accreditation by the Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare
- Accreditation of Spine Specialty Hospital by the Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare
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 Discectomy in Seoul, Incheon 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.
Success Rate for Lumbar Discectomy in Seoul, Incheon Korea
As per the Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society, the success rate of lumbar discectomy in Seoul, Incheon, Korea is ~80%[2]
Why Choose Lumbar Discectomy in Korea?
The following factors make Korea a reliable destination for lumbar discectomy:
- Our partner hospital has been awarded the Parviz Kambin Gold Award.
- With 40 years dedicated to spine care, our partner clinic is a prime hospital in Korea. It boasts of:
- 500,000+ spinal treatments
- 25,000+ happy international patients, and
- 900+ foreign doctors trained!
- Further, the in-house surgeons have international accreditations - the American Association of Neurological Surgeons and the North American Spine Society.
- Our partner hospitals have recently introduced an innovative endoscopic laser spine treatment.
Conclusion
Get lumbar discectomy in Seoul (Incheon), Korea, at award-winning, US-certified hospitals. Find skilled spine doctors right here.
Start your spine recovery journey with us!
FAQs
Is Lumbar Discectomy in Seoul (Incheon), Korea Safe?
Yes, lumbar discectomy in Seoul, Korea, is safe. It boasts an 80% success rate thanks to skilled spine surgeons and top hospitals.
To ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment planning, our partner clinic in Seoul utilizes a 3.0 Tesla MRI machine. This machine provides exceptional image clarity and a spacious design to enhance patient comfort.
References
- PubMed: A study on the 10-year trend of surgeries
- Journal of Korean Nuerological Society: A Prospective Observational Study of Return to Work after Single Level Lumbar Discectomy
