From Cancer Treatment to Functional Care: Globally Competitive K-Urology

Newsweek’s World’s Best Specialized Hospitals 2024 placed Korea's Asan Medical Center (4th), Seoul National University Hospital (5th), and Samsung Medical Center (8th) among the top in urology. Korea’s urology demonstrates high survival rates even for prostate cancer, a common urologic cancer. The country’s five-year survival rate for prostate cancer stands at 96.4% ¹⁾, a figure comparable to the 97% ²⁾survival rate in the U.S., a country known for its advanced urologic treatments.
1) National Cancer Information Center, Five-Year Relative Survival Rate 2) American Cancer Society, Survival Rates for Prostate Cancer

Korea’s Urology Clinics Treating Various Urologic Conditions ⓒgettyimagesbank

1. Strengths of Korean Urology

POINT 1. Experienced Medical Professionals Leading Advanced Surgical Technology

Korean Surgical Robot Revo-I ⓒmeerecompany

Korean urology boasts a high level of medical expertise, with experienced professionals who have accumulated extensive surgical experience using the latest technologies. Robotic surgery allows for precise procedures and is commonly used for complex surgeries, including the three major urologic cancers (prostate, kidney, and bladder) as well as various other urologic conditions. With smaller incisions, it minimizes pain and bleeding while preventing the risk of complications such as urinary incontinence, making it a preferred surgical method. In fact, in 2024, the urology department at St. Mary’s Hospital recorded the highest number of robotic surgeries, surpassing 5,000 procedures. A breakdown by cancer type shows that robotic surgery was utilized for all three urologic cancers: prostate cancer (2,686 cases), kidney cancer (1,692 cases), and bladder cancer (350 cases). In addition, a private urology clinic in Seoul has surpassed 8,000 urologic surgeries and procedures, demonstrating the widespread adoption of advanced technologies in urologic surgery across various medical institutions.

POINT 2. Affordable Treatment Costs and Highly Accessible Infrastructure

Korea has a medical system that allows patients to receive treatment quickly and at a reasonable cost. Let’s take prostate cancer, the most common of the three major urologic cancers, as an example. According to the American Urological Association (AUA), the average treatment cost for metastatic prostate cancer in the U.S. is estimated at USD 31,400. ¹⁾ In contrast, according to an international journal in public health policy, the same treatment in Korea costs approximately USD 7,500. ²⁾ Moreover, Korea’s medical services are easily accessible, allowing international patients to visit hospitals and clinics. With many specialized hospitals and a streamlined process from diagnosis to surgery, receiving treatment during a visit to Korea is convenient. Notably, 10 of the world’s top 100 urology-specialized university hospitals are in the Seoul metropolitan area, and Seoul alone has 279 urology clinics run by board-certified specialists, ensuring relatively easy access to expert care. ³⁾ 1) American Urological Association Education and Research, The Cost of Metastatic Prostate Cancer in the United States, 2022 2) BMC Health Service Research, National practice patterns and direct medical costs for prostate cancer in Korea across a 10-year period: a nationwide population-based study using a national health insurance database, 2019 3) Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service (HIRA), Current Status of Clinics by Location or Specialty

2. Top 2 Urologic Surgeries Gaining Attention in Korea

2-1. Male Cancer Treatment

Prostate cancer, kidney cancer, and bladder cancer, collectively known as the three major urologic cancers, are among the 10 most common cancers in Korea and require careful attention. In particular, prostate cancer has seen a sharp rise in incidence, ranking as the second most common cancer among men as of 2022. ¹⁾While it primarily develops in middle-aged and older men, other risk factors include family history, obesity, and a Westernized diet. In the early stage, prostate cancer presents no symptoms. However, as it progresses, it can cause various urinary symptoms, such as nocturia, frequent urination, and hesitancy. Localized prostate cancer, which has not spread to other areas, is primarily treated with radical surgery. This procedure involves the complete removal of the cancerous prostate along with surrounding tissues, such as the seminal vesicles and vas deferens, to prevent metastasis. Korean urologists use surgical techniques that preserve the neurovascular bundle and urethral sphincter as much as possible, minimizing the risk of sexual dysfunction, including urinary incontinence and impotence. Due to the high complexity of the procedure that reconnects the bladder and urethra after prostate removal, many hospitals utilize robotic surgery. According to Korea University Guro Hospital, 7 out of 10 prostate cancer patients in Korea undergo robotic surgery for treatment. Robotic surgery allows for precise cancer removal with minimal incisions, helping to reduce postoperative complications and recovery time.
1) Ministry of Health and Welfare, Cancer Registration Statistics

2-2. Treatment of Voiding Dysfunction

Voiding dysfunction can occur in both men and women. A common male condition is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), in which an enlarged prostate narrows the urethra, weakening bladder function and causing urinary difficulties. In the early stage, lifestyle changes and alphablocker medication are recommended. However, if symptoms do not improve, surgical procedures are performed to remove or lift the prostate and widen the urethra. In women, a common voiding dysfunction is urinary incontinence, a condition that leads to involuntary urine leakage. Urinary incontinence is common, especially among middle-aged and older women. This may happen due to increased abdominal pressure or weakened pelvic floor muscles and urethral sphincter function. This type of urinary incontinence is primarily treated with pelvic floor muscle strengthening exercises or electrical stimulation treatment. If these methods are ineffective, a surgical procedure may be performed using a sling, a tape that helps prevent urine leakage even when abdominal pressure increases.

3. Tips for Choosing a Urology Clinic in Korea

When looking for a urology clinic in Korea, how can you find the right hospital for your needs? First, visit the website operated by the Korean Urological Association. This platform allows you to easily search for hospitals and clinics run by board-certified urologists by region. For voiding dysfunction treatment or penis enlargement surgery, you can choose a university hospital or a specialized urology clinic. However, for urologic cancer treatment, it is recommended to visit a university or general hospital. If you are seeking urologic cancer treatment, consulting an international medical center within a university hospital is advisable. Many university hospitals in Korea operate international medical centers for foreign patients. These centers provide more efficient medical care through a well-structured system that enables a smooth process from appointment to treatment. *This content is based on interviews with Dr. Jin-suk Chang, Director of Jamsil Seoul Urology Clinic, and Dr. Jin-chul Hwang, Director of Grand Urology Clinic, in the order listed.

Dr. Jin-suk Chang, Director of Jamsil Seoul Urology Clinic

Dr. Jin-chul Hwang, Director of Grand Urology Clinic

Author Profile : JUNPYO PARK, PD, Medical YouTube Channel “Aftertherain”

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• * This column was last updated in December 2024, and therefore information may differ from what is presented here.