Filters
How Much Should a Microvascular Decompression (MVD) Cost in South Korea?
The cost of Microvascular Decompression (MVD) in South Korea generally ranges from USD 22000 - USD 40000, depending on the hospital’s location, medical team, and the complexity of the patient’s condition. This price typically includes consultation with the neurosurgeon, diagnostic imaging such as MRI or CT scans, preoperative tests, the surgery itself, hospital admission, and initial follow-up care.
Still, the final cost may differ depending on a few critical elements. These may include the severity and location of the compressed nerve, the use of advanced surgical tools such as neuronavigation systems or minimally invasive techniques, and the hospital’s infrastructure and quality of care.
Additionally, expenses may increase if the neurosurgeon is highly specialised, or if the patient experiences any complications after the procedure that require extended hospital stay or intensive care support. These clinical and logistical details contribute to the total treatment cost.
Factors Influencing the Cost of a Microvascular Decompression (MVD) in South Korea
Factors Influencing the Cost of a Microvascular Decompression (MVD) in South Korea
- Hospital type and location: Costs are often higher at private or internationally accredited hospitals in major cities compared to smaller, government-run facilities.
- Complexity of the condition: If the nerve compression is severe or located in a sensitive area, the surgery may take longer and carry a higher risk, which can increase the associated costs.
- Advanced surgical technology: The use of tools such as neuronavigation, intraoperative neuro-monitoring, or minimally invasive techniques can increase the overall expense.
- Surgeon’s experience and expertise: Highly skilled or internationally trained neurosurgeons may charge more for their services, reflecting their advanced capabilities.
- Duration of hospital stay: Patients who stay longer due to recovery needs, post-operative care, or complications will likely face higher bills.
- ICU or special care needs: If intensive care or additional monitoring is required after surgery, this will significantly increase the total cost.
- Additional services and support: Pre-surgical evaluations, diagnostic imaging, medications, physiotherapy, or extended follow-ups may also add to the overall charges.
Cost of Microvascular Decompression (MVD) in Major cities of South Korea
| City | Minimum Cost (USD) | Minimum Cost (KRW) | Maximum Cost (USD) | Maximum Cost (KRW) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seoul | USD 22000 | 30271560 | USD 40000 | 55039200 |
Microvascular Decompression (MVD) Cost : A Global Comparison
| Country | Minimum Cost | Minimum Local Currency | Maximum Cost | Maximum Local Currency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hungary | USD 25000 | HUF 8927000 | USD 40000 | HUF 14283200 |
| India | USD 11000 | INR 942040 | USD 17000 | INR 1455880 |
| Israel | USD 32000 | ILS 113280 | USD 48000 | ILS 169920 |
| Jordan | USD 16000 | JOD 11360 | USD 25000 | JOD 17750 |
| Lithuania | USD 22000 | LTL 75255 | USD 35000 | LTL 119724 |
| Malaysia | USD 15000 | MYR 63600 | USD 30000 | MYR 127200 |
| Poland | USD 14000 | PLN 52640 | USD 25000 | PLN 94000 |
| Saudi Arabia | USD 20000 | SAR 75000 | USD 35000 | SAR 131250 |
| Singapore | USD 30000 | SGD 38700 | USD 55000 | SGD 70950 |
| South Africa | USD 16000 | ZAR 287520 | USD 28000 | ZAR 503160 |
| South Korea | USD 22000 | KRW 30271560 | USD 40000 | KRW 55039200 |
| Spain | USD 20000 | ESP 2940798 | USD 36000 | ESP 5293436 |
| Switzerland | USD 40000 | CHF 33200 | USD 70000 | CHF 58100 |
| Thailand | USD 15000 | THB 490650 | USD 28000 | THB 915880 |
| Tunisia | USD 12000 | TND 35760 | USD 22000 | TND 65560 |
| Turkey | USD 12000 | TRY 468720 | USD 22000 | TRY 859320 |
| United Arab Emirates | USD 22000 | AED 80740 | USD 40000 | AED 146800 |
| United Kingdom | USD 25000 | GBP 18500 | USD 45000 | GBP 33300 |
| Vietnam | USD 11000 | VND 287413390 | USD 20000 | VND 522569800 |
Need Help Planning Your Treatment Abroad?
Your 24/7 AI Health Assistant 
Microvascular Decompression (MVD) is a surgical procedure used to relieve pressure on a nerve when a nearby blood vessel compresses it. This pressure can cause intense facial pain or muscle spasms. The surgery is often used to treat conditions such as trigeminal neuralgia and hemifacial spasm.
To perform the surgery, the doctor creates a small opening behind the ear. Through this opening, the surgeon carefully moves the blood vessel away from the nerve. A soft, tiny cushion is placed in between so the two don’t touch anymore.
The primary goal is to alleviate pain without damaging the nerve. The nerve usually continues to function after surgery. This procedure is done while the patient is asleep under general anaesthesia. After surgery, most people stay in the hospital for a few days and gradually return to their routine over the following weeks.
Microvascular decompression (MVD) is a surgical procedure used to relieve abnormal compression of a cranial nerve by a blood vessel. It is most commonly performed for conditions such as trigeminal neuralgia, hemifacial spasm, and glossopharyngeal neuralgia. These conditions cause severe, often debilitating, nerve pain or muscle spasms. MVD works by relieving pressure on the affected nerve, thereby reducing or eliminating pain and restoring normal nerve function without damaging the nerve.
Consult a neurologist or neurosurgeon if you experience:
- Sharp, electric shock-like facial pain (trigeminal neuralgia)
- Involuntary facial muscle spasms (hemifacial spasm)
- Severe throat or ear pain (glossopharyngeal neuralgia)
- Symptoms that are not responsive to medications
- Progressive worsening of nerve-related symptoms
Preparation for MVD includes:
- Neurological evaluation and medical history
- Imaging tests, such as MRI with contrast, to identify the compressing vessel
- Review of medications, especially blood thinners
- Fasting for 6–8 hours before surgery
- Pre-surgical clearance from your physician or anesthesiologist
- Discussion with your neurosurgeon regarding risks, benefits, and expected recovery
Performed under general anaesthesia, MVD involves:
- A small craniotomy (opening in the skull) behind the ear
- The surgeon gently moves the blood vessel away from the nerve
- A small Teflon pad is placed between the nerve and vessel to prevent future contact
- The bone is replaced, and the incisionis closed
Microvascular decompression surgery typically takes 2 to 3 hours. Hospital stays usually last 2 to 5 days, depending on recovery and individual condition.
Though generally safe, potential risks include:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Hearing loss
- Facial weakness or numbness
- Cerebrospinal fluid leak
- Stroke (rare)
- Reaction to anaesthesia
- Significant or complete relief from nerve pain or spasms
- Preservation of nerve function without permanent numbness
- Long-lasting results, often eliminating the need for medication
- Improved quality of life and functional ability
Patients are monitored in a neuro unit after surgery. Some may experience mild headaches or dizziness. Most patients are discharged within a few days and can resume light activity in 2–4 weeks. Complete recovery usually occurs over 4–8 weeks. Follow-up appointments and imaging help ensure successful decompression and healing.
MVD has a high success rate, with over 80–90% of patients experiencing lasting relief from symptoms, especially for trigeminal neuralgia. Results are typically better when surgery is performed early and by experienced neurosurgeons.
Would you like some help? We are available.
Get Help Explore Hospitals ( 2 )
Asan Medical Centre
Seoul, South Korea
Asan Medical Centre located in Seoul, South Korea is accredited by ISO. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:
- 524,700 square meters is the floor area of Asan Medical Centre
- Number of beds is 2,715
- 67 operating rooms
- 11,680 outpatients
- Everday 2,427 inpatients come to the Centre
- 66,838 Sophisticated surgeries (per year)
- 1,600 physicians and surgeons
- 3,100 nurses
- Five various types of rooms ranging from suites to multi-bed rooms
International St. Mary's Hospital
Seoul, South Korea
International St. Mary's Hospital located in Seoul, South Korea is accredited by JCI. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:
- 3 Basements and 5 Floors Building
- International Healthcare Center
- Korean Traditional Medicine Hospital
- Hybrid Operation Theatres
- Conference Rooms
- Seminar Rooms
- Auditorium
- Intensive Care Units
- Hospice ward
- Chapel
- Emergency Medical Center
- Pathology
- Outpatient Pharmacy
- 15 Professional Treatment Centers
- 35 Clinical Departments
- Transplant Centers
- Admission & Discharge Center
- Counseling office
- Convenience Store
- Animal Laboratories
- Parking in basement
- Food court for patients & visitors
- Coffee Shop
- Free Wi-fi is available throughout the Hospital premises
Need Some Advice From Our Experts?
Request a Call Back Now!
Our team of healthcare experts would be happy to assist you
+99Process Involved for Microvascular Decompression (MVD) in South Korea
- Diagnosis and Evaluation: The doctor reviews the patient’s symptoms, performs a physical examination, and orders scans, such as an MRI, to confirm nerve compression.
- Pre-Surgical Preparation: The patient is given instructions regarding fasting, medications, and tests such as blood work or an ECG before surgery.
- Surgery (MVD Procedure): Under general anaesthesia, the surgeon makes a small opening behind the ear, moves the blood vessel off the nerve, and places a soft pad between them.
- Immediate Recovery: After surgery, the patient is closely monitored in a recovery room or ICU for any complications or changes in nerve function.
- Hospital Stay: Most patients remain in the hospital for 3 to 5 days to rest and recover under medical supervision.
- Home Recovery: After discharge, the patient continues to recover at home, with activity restrictions and follow-up appointments scheduled.
- Long-Term Follow-Up: The doctor monitors the patient’s recovery progress, symptom relief, and nerve function through regular follow-ups or, as needed, imaging.
- Trigeminal Neuralgia: A condition causing sudden, severe facial pain due to irritation of the trigeminal nerve, often triggered by touch, chewing, or speaking.
- Hemifacial Spasm: Involuntary twitching or spasms on one side of the face caused by pressure on the facial nerve.
- Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia: A sudden, intense pain felt in the throat, back of the tongue, or near the tonsils, often caused by pressure on the glossopharyngeal nerve.
- Geniculate Neuralgia: A rare nerve disorder causing ear pain, often linked to the nervus intermedius, which lies near the facial nerve.
- Tinnitus: A ringing or buzzing sound in the ear, sometimes caused by nerve compression in the brain.
- Vertigo: A spinning or dizzy sensation that can occur when nerves controlling balance are affected.
- Occipital Neuralgia: Piercing pain at the back of the head and neck caused by irritation of the occipital nerves
- Sleep Medicine: The patient is put under general anaesthesia to remain fully asleep and pain-free throughout the surgery.
- Head Positioned for Surgery: The head is gently placed in the correct position, and the skin behind the ear is cleaned.
- Small Cut and Bone Opening: A small cut is made behind the ear, and a tiny piece of the skull is carefully removed to reach the brain area where the nerve is located.
- Finding the Nerve and Blood Vessel: With the help of a microscope, the surgeon sees the nerve that’s being squeezed by a nearby blood vessel.
- Fixing the Pressure: The surgeon gently moves the blood vessel away and places a soft cushion between the boat and the nerve.
- Closing the Area: The bone is replaced or covered, and the skin is stitched or closed in an appropriate manner.
- Rest and Recovery: After surgery, the patient is moved to a recovery room, where doctors closely monitor their progress as they begin to heal.
- Craniotomy
- MRI
- Angiography
- Neuroendoscopy
- Electrophysiology
- Neuromonitoring
- Lumbarpuncture
- CTscan
- Endoscopy
- Myelography
- Long-Term Pain Relief: Effectively reduces or eliminates nerve-related facial pain, particularly in cases of trigeminal neuralgia.
- Preserves Nerve Function: Unlike other treatments, MVD relieves pressure without damaging the affected nerve.
- Minimally Invasive Option: In experienced hands, MVD is a safe microsurgical procedure with minimal impact on surrounding tissues.
- Low Recurrence Rates: Most patients experience lasting relief with a low likelihood of symptoms returning.
- Improved Quality of Life: Relief from chronic nerve pain often leads to better sleep, mood, and daily functioning.
- Medication-Free Outcome: Many patients can reduce or stop pain medications after successful surgery.
False
- Please complete the form to provide us with relevant information about your condition.
- Consult with Our Healthcare Expert: One of our qualified specialists will contact you for a consultation.
- Receive a Detailed Treatment Plan: After examining your situation, we will provide you with a detailed treatment plan that includes expert opinions and a cost breakdown for various options.
- Select your preferred option: Choose the therapy option that best suits your needs.
- Seamless Organisation: We will manage all the details, including visas, flights, accommodations, and transfers, for a stress-free journey.
