Lumbar Total Disc Replacement in Seoul (Incheon), Korea: Top Hospitals & Surgeons
Lumbar total disc replacement in Seoul (Incheon), Korea, offers an affordable solution to your persistent back pain.
Read more to discover top hospitals & surgeons.
Disc Replacement in Korea: All You Need To Know
What Is the Cost of Lumbar Total Disc Replacement in Seoul (Incheon), Korea?
The cost of lumbar total disc replacement 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
How Can International Patients Get Lumbar Disc Replacement in Korea?
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If the reports are outdated, the hospital will re-evaluate your case when you reach Korea.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 total disc replacement.
| Timeline | Estimated Duration |
| Treatment Time | ~2-3 hours |
| Hospitalization Time | 5-7 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 International Patients
Related Resources: Lumbar TDR in Korea
Procedure: Lumbar Total Disc Replacement in Korea
Lumbar disc replacement surgery is an alternative to spinal fusion surgery for treating spinal disc problems. The main goal of a TDR is to restore the normal function of the intervertebral disc.
Disc replacement is a form of minimally invasive spine surgery. Korea has shown remarkable progress in the field of MISS.
Watch our expert spine surgeon, Dr. Shin Jae Kim, talk about Korea's success in MISS.
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery in Seoul, Korea
How Is Lumbar Total Disc Replacement Done in Korea?
Here is a general overview of the procedure:
- Anesthesia: You'll receive general anesthesia to ensure you're comfortable and pain-free during the procedure.
- Incision: The surgeon makes a small incision in your lower back.
- Accessing the Spine: Muscles and tissues are carefully moved aside to expose the affected disc.
- Disc Removal: The damaged disc is removed, taking care to protect surrounding nerves.
- Preparation: The space between the vertebrae is prepared for the new disc.
- Implant Placement: The artificial disc is inserted and secured in place.
- Closure: The incision is closed, and surrounding tissues are repaired.
Who Is a Candidate for Artificial Disc Replacement?
The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons recommends a disc replacement in the following patients:
- Those experiencing back pain due to one or two intervertebral discs in the lumbar spine region
- Those who are healthy and not excessively overweight
- Haven’t undergone any major surgery in the lumbar spine
- Do not have any spine deformity
What Conditions Can Be Treated Using Total Disc Replacement in Korea?
A lumbar disc replacement surgery treats many conditions, such as -
- Damaged or worn-out discs
- Nerve pain in the lower back and legs
Symptoms Leading to Lumbar Total Disc Replacement
If you are experiencing one or more of the following symptoms, you may need a lumbar disc replacement:
- Chronic lower back pain that is present for most of the day
- Lower back pain with weakness, numbness, or tingling in one or both legs
- Pain in the buttocks that may or may not extend to the leg
- Lower back pain that gets better with walking
Pros & Cons of Lumbar Total Disc Replacement
Lumbar disc replacement is the treatment of choice for chronic lower back pain in Seoul, Incheon, Korea. Here are a few pros over other treatments like fusion surgery:
- Reduced operation time and hospital stay (therefore reduced costs)
- Decreased post-surgical complications
- No graft is taken, so no donor site pain
As with any surgery, a lumbar disc replacement in Seoul, Incheon, Korea, has a few cons:
- Not everyone is a candidate
- Artificial discs may require replacement after a few decades
Recovery After Total Disc Replacement
Recovery after a lumbar disc replacement varies from patient to patient. However, it is quicker and shorter than a spinal fusion surgery.
In most cases, you can return to work around 3 to 4 weeks after the surgery and begin your fitness routine from around six weeks post-surgery.
Patient Getting Physiotherapy in Korea
Post-Operative Care for Lumbar Total Disc Replacement
After a lumbar disc replacement surgery, you must stay in the hospital for a few days.
Here are a few post-operative care guidelines to follow:
- Take care of the incision and sutures as instructed by your surgeon.
- You will be asked to stand and walk before you leave the hospital.
- However, limit bending, twisting, or lifting for atleast six weeks after surgery.
- Avoid sitting or standing for longer than 20-30 minutes for the first couple of weeks after surgery.
- Take your medications as prescribed by your doctor.
- Keep your follow-up appointments.
Did you know?
South Korea's artificial disc replacement market is booming! In 2021, it was worth $4.5 million. And by 2028, that number is expected to more than double, reaching $10.3 million.[1]
Success Rate for Lumbar Total Disc Replacement in Korea
The clinical success rate of lumbar disc replacement in Seoul, Incheon, Korea, is 76.9%.
The patient satisfaction rate was 87.2% when the patients were presumed to be good candidates for this procedure.[2]
The success rate for the procedure reduces when the patient has combined health conditions.
Best Hospital for Lumbar Total Disc Replacement in Korea
With 42+ years of experience, Wooridul Spine Hospital is Korea's first spine-specialized hospital. It has successfully treated 5.5 lakh+ spine cases.
They offer minimally invasive and casual treatment with advanced technology. This includes an EOS imaging system and minimally invasive treatments.
The clinic's International Patient Center (WIPC) provides specialized facilities. It also gives multilingual support in English, Japanese, Chinese, French, and more.
Being JCI-certified, it ensures accessible treatment across its established 11 network hospitals.
- Korean MoHW Accredited
- JCI Certified
- 95% 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
Gachon University Gil Medical Center is a multispecialty hospital located in Incheon, South Korea.
It is certified by the MOHW and is renowned for its cutting-edge equipment.
The hospital is also recognized as the country's leading center for scientific research.
It features South Korea's first medical aviation service, an advanced cancer center, and the nation's first 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 Surgeon for Lumbar Total Disc Replacement in Korea
Dr. Shin-Jae Kim
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
Dr. Sang-Ho Lee is the Founder and Chairman of Wooridul Spine Hospitals.
He's been a Fellow of ABMISS. He's also been a Clinical Fellow at UFR Biomedical Anatomy Laboratory at Paris V.
Earned the Parviz Kambin Award and The Royal Society for Surgery Lifetime Achievement Award.
Major Career Roles
- Founder and president of the WCMISST
- President of the IITS and ISMISS
Education
Busan National University College of Medicine
Memberships
- American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS)
- North American Spine Society (NASS)
Dr. Deuk-Soo Jun
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 Disc Replacement in Korea?
MTC Partners with the best hospitals and most experienced surgeons for lumbar disc replacement in Seoul, Incheon, Korea:
- Our partner hospitals offer minimally invasive spine surgeries
- They offer an 8-stage personalized treatment plan tailored to your requirement
- One of our partner hospitals features in the top 30 of the World’s Most Technologically Advanced Hospitals
- Neurosurgeons we work with are leading professionals in spine surgery
Conclusion
Lumbar total disc replacement in Seoul (Incheon), Korea, is a safe & affordable treatment for lower back pain.
Get renewed mobility at low prices! Contact MTC to plan your trip!
FAQs
Is Lumbar Total Disc Replacement in Seoul, Incheon, Korea Safe?
Yes, undergoing a lumbar disc replacement in Seoul, Incheon, Korea, is safe. As mentioned earlier, the clinical success rate of this procedure is 76.9% in patients without combined pathologies.
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.
What Is the Recovery Time for Lumbar Total Disc Replacement?
The recovery time for lumbar total disc replacement varies for every patient. However, you may need a few weeks to a few months before you can return to work.
You can resume sporting activities 3 to 6 months after surgery.[3]
You can begin your fitness routine after six weeks of surgery or as your surgeon recommends.
References
- Grand View Research: South Korea Artificial Disc Replacement Market Size & Outlook
- PubMed: Long-Term Outcomes Following Lumbar…
- NCBI: Degenerative Disc Disease: Disc Replacement
