Prostate Lifting in Seoul, Korea

Prostate Lifting (UroLift) in Korea: A Minimally Invasive Solution for BPH

"Prostate lifting" typically refers to the UroLift System, a revolutionary, minimally invasive treatment for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), commonly known as an enlarged prostate. This procedure offers a significant alternative to medication or more invasive surgeries, particularly appealing to men who want to preserve sexual function and experience rapid symptom relief with minimal downtime. South Korea's advanced urology clinics and hospitals offer the UroLift procedure as part of their comprehensive prostate care services.


What is the UroLift System?

The UroLift System is a straightforward procedure that uses tiny, permanent implants to lift and hold the enlarged prostate tissue away from the urethra. This effectively opens the obstructed urethra, allowing urine to flow more freely.

Key characteristics of UroLift:

  • Minimally Invasive: It does not involve cutting, heating, or removing prostate tissue.
  • Permanent Implants: Small, biocompatible implants are placed to secure the lifted prostate tissue.
  • Outpatient Procedure: It can often be performed in a doctor's office or outpatient setting, typically under local anesthesia or light sedation, meaning no overnight hospital stay is usually required.
  • Quick Procedure: The procedure itself usually takes 15-30 minutes.


How UroLift Works

  1. Delivery Device Insertion: A thin delivery device is inserted through the urethra to reach the enlarged prostate.
  2. Implant Placement: Small, permanent implants are deployed from the device. These implants effectively "tie back" the enlarged prostate lobes, similar to how tiebacks hold open a curtain.
  3. Urethra Widening: By lifting and holding the prostate tissue, the implants create a wider opening for the urethra, relieving the pressure that causes urinary symptoms.
  4. Device Removal: Once the implants are in place, the delivery device is removed, leaving the implants to permanently keep the tissue in place.


Benefits and Suitability of UroLift

UroLift is an excellent option for many men experiencing moderate to severe BPH symptoms.

Key Benefits:

  • Rapid Symptom Relief: Many patients experience noticeable improvement in urinary symptoms as early as 2 weeks post-procedure, with significant relief within weeks.
  • Preservation of Sexual Function: One of the most significant advantages is that UroLift has been clinically proven to not cause new, sustained erectile dysfunction or ejaculatory dysfunction, which can be side effects of other BPH treatments.
  • Minimally Invasive & Fast Recovery: No cutting or tissue removal means less pain, minimal downtime, and a quicker return to normal activities (often within 2-3 days). Most patients can go home the same day.
  • Low Complication Rate: The procedure has a low rate of complications, with common temporary side effects including mild pain, urgency, or a burning sensation during urination, which typically resolve within a few days to weeks.
  • Durable Results: Clinical studies have shown sustained symptom relief and improved quality of life for at least five years, with a low retreatment rate (around 13.6% over five years).
  • No Catheter Required: Most patients do not require a catheter after the procedure, or if one is needed, it's usually for a very short period.
  • Future Treatment Options: UroLift does not preclude other BPH treatments if needed in the future.

Who is a Suitable Candidate?

UroLift is generally suitable for men aged 40 and above who:

  • Have been diagnosed with BPH (it is not a treatment for prostate cancer).
  • Are experiencing bothersome urinary symptoms such as frequent urination (especially at night), difficulty starting or maintaining a stream, weak or interrupted stream, or a sensation of incomplete bladder emptying.
  • Prefer to avoid long-term medication with potential side effects.
  • Prioritize preserving their sexual function.
  • Have a prostate size typically between 30 and 80 grams (though suitability depends on individual prostate anatomy, which will be assessed by a urologist, often with a cystoscopy).



Cost of Prostate Lifting (UroLift) in Korea:

The cost of the UroLift procedure in Korea can vary depending on the clinic, the number of implants required, the type of anesthesia used, and whether it's performed in an outpatient clinic or a larger hospital.

  • General estimates for BPH procedures, which include UroLift, range from approximately ₩6,000,000 to ₩20,000,000 (approximately USD 4,400 to USD 14,500).
  • Some sources suggest the cost for UroLift specifically can be in the range of USD 4,000 to USD 10,000+.

Factors influencing cost:

  • Consultation and Diagnostic Tests: Initial consultation, prostate exams, urine flow tests, and potentially cystoscopy will be additional costs.
  • Anesthesia Fees: Local anesthesia is less expensive than sedation or general anesthesia.
  • Facility Fees: Costs may be higher at large university hospitals compared to specialized private clinics.
  • Inclusion of Implants: Ensure the quoted price includes the cost of the UroLift implants themselves.
  • Post-operative Care: Follow-up consultations and any prescribed medications.

It is crucial to request a detailed, all-inclusive quote from the clinic or hospital, specifying what is covered in the price, especially if you do not have Korean National Health Insurance.

For men seeking an effective, minimally invasive solution for BPH with excellent outcomes and preservation of sexual function, prostate lifting (UroLift) in South Korea offers a compelling option through its advanced urological expertise.