Uterine prolapse surgery in Korea

How uterine prolapse surgery works at Podo

Pelvic ligament suspension surgery was developed by Dr. Mo Hyung-jin, the clinic's medical director. A patent application for the technique has been filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office. The technique restores pelvic support by re-anchoring the patient's own lax pelvic ligaments. It is used for stress urinary incontinence, cystocele, rectocele and uterine prolapse.

The uterus is supported from above by the uterosacral and cardinal ligaments. When they lengthen, the cervix descends. One surgical approach removes the uterus and then supports the upper end of the vagina; others keep the uterus and restore the ligaments that hold it. Pelvic ligament suspension restores these upper supports.

Whether the uterus can be preserved depends on its condition, your age and plans, and whether other problems are present. We examine and discuss this openly at consultation rather than assume.

The six steps

1. 01 Consultation and staging
   Examination to stage how far the uterus has descended, ultrasound of the uterus and its lining, and a check that cervical screening is up to date. Vaginal endoscopy imaging shows the state of the vaginal walls.
2. 02 Pre-operative check-up
   Blood tests, urine analysis, a review of medications and any previous pelvic surgery, and a discussion of whether the uterus will be preserved.
3. 03 Anesthesia
   Planned for the procedure and for you under the clinic's four-step protocol.
4. 04 Apical suspension
   Performed in the clinic's operating room. The ligaments that hold the cervix and upper vagina are shortened and re-anchored. If the front or back wall has also dropped, this is assessed at the same time.
5. 05 Recovery suite
   Rest in a private single-occupancy recovery suite, with an overnight stay where your plan includes one.
6. 06 Check-up and documents
   A check-up before you travel, discharge instructions in English, insurance documents, and the 24-hour nurse line.

Anesthesia follows a four-step protocol tailored to the procedure and the patient. Tell us about previous anesthesia experiences and current medications during pre-consultation.

Recovery and flying home

Most patients are cleared to fly 5–10 days after surgery.

• Day 0Surgery, then overnight in your recovery suite.
• Day 1Discharge check. Walking is encouraged; expect light spotting.
• Days 2–7Rest at your accommodation with short walks. Spotting or light discharge for two to three weeks is normal. Do not lift more than 10 kg (about 22 pounds) for 8 weeks.
• Check-upFollow-up check-up, then travel home when we confirm healing.
• Weeks 2–8Intercourse can usually resume about 8 weeks after surgery, once a check confirms healing. No strenuous exercise until cleared. The dragging sensation usually eases as swelling settles.

Recovery rooms are private single-occupancy suites. Patients have a 24-hour nurse contact line after surgery. Results and recovery vary from person to person.

Cost

We provide a written estimate after consultation. Prolapse repair is not on the published 2026 schedule and is quoted after examination; the incontinence surgery cost page shows how the clinic's estimates are structured.

What is included

• Surgery and operating room
• Anesthesia
• One night in a recovery suite
• Follow-up check-up before departure
• Insurance claim documents

We prepare the documents international insurers typically require: an itemized English receipt, a medical certificate, procedure codes and a completed claim form. Whether a procedure is reimbursed depends on your policy; we provide documentation, not coverage decisions.

For international patients

Consultations are available in English. We prepare the documents international insurers typically require: an itemized English receipt, a medical certificate, procedure codes and a completed claim form. Payment can be made by international credit card. Plan for 5 to 10 days in Seoul. Send us your cervical screening history and any previous pelvic surgery notes with your first message, and tell us whether preserving the uterus matters to you.

Sources

1. ACOG FAQ: Surgery for Pelvic Organ Prolapse
2. NHS: Pelvic organ prolapse
3. IUGA Your Pelvic Floor: Pelvic organ prolapse
4. Cochrane review (2023): Surgery for women with apical vaginal prolapse