25
Total Days In Country
Cancer is a disease characterized by uncontrolled cell division. In its advanced stage, the cells of cancer migrate from the organ of origin to another organ and the process is known as metastasis. Metastatic cancer is difficult to treat as compared to non-metastatic cancer. Earlier the diagnosis, more effective would be the treatment with a higher chance of survival. Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers occurring in male. The prostate is a small gland located below the bladder and surrounded by the urethra. The fluid secreted by the prostate gland is mixed with semen and is required for nutrition and protection of sperms. Prostate cancer develops when the cells of prostate gland grow uncontrollably. Although most people do not experience symptoms at the initial stage as it grows very slowly, some have an aggressive form of prostate cancer carrying the significant risk of metastasis. Such condition required immediate medical intervention and treatment. Various treatment options are available for prostate cancer including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, medications, and surgery.
South Korea, because of its high-tech devices that involve the use of super-computers, huge infrastructure, modern technological equipment, and experienced healthcare professionals is capable of successfully treating prostate cancer. Many hospitals in South Korea are performing prostate cancer treatment with a high success rate. The medical tourists visiting this country avails the accessibility of innovative treatment procedures as South Korea has been ranked 6th in the world in terms of performing clinical trials on new treatments. South Korea has been ranked one of the best innovative countries of the world and the medical technology is complemented with the high-end technologies of companies like Samsung and LG.
The cost of prostate cancer treatment in South Korea is 20-40% less as compared to countries like the USA and Canada. Low cost with at-par quality is the primary reason that people from different parts of the world visit South Korea for treatment. Some of the hospitals in South Korea are the first to use advanced technology to treat prostate cancer. The cost of treatment of prostate cancer in South Korea depends upon the type of treatment advised by the oncologists. The cost of open surgery of prostate costs around $13000 to $15000 while the advanced robotic surgery using Da Vinci is somewhat costlier and is around $18000 to $19000. The cost of radiotherapy for prostate cancer costs about $5000 per session while each session of chemotherapy adds $2000-$2500 to the bills depending upon the type of drug delivered.
There is a lot of cost variation among hospitals, for prostate cancer treatment in South Korea as the cost of treatment depends upon a variety of factors including hospital infrastructure, method of diagnosis, post-surgical care, experience and success rate of the oncologist in treating prostate cancer and follow-up visit charges. In the case of cancer, the cost significantly varies on the type of treatment and the stage of the disease. Advanced stages of cancer require aggressive treatment and more than one treatment option is used thereby increasing the cost. Speed of recovery of the patient is another factor impacting the cost of treatment.
2 Clinics For Prostate Cancer Treatment in South Korea
International St. Mary's Hospital
Seoul, South Korea
Seoul, South Korea
Like other cancers, the specific cause of Prostate cancer is not known, Due to unknown reasons, the mutation in the DNA of the cells takes place leading to uncontrolled growth. However, some of the factors significantly increase the risk of prostate cancer. These factors are:
1) Genetics: Presence of abnormal genes increases the risk of cancer. Genes have information stored in them. Mutation deletes some of the information leading to abnormal behavior by the cells.
2) Exposure to radiations or chemicals: Prolong exposure to radiations or chemicals increases the risk of cancer.
3) Inflammation in Prostate: Prolonged Prostatitis, inflammation of the prostate gland, increases the risk of Prostate cancer.
4) Altered level of male hormone: Increase in the level of testosterone increases the growth of the prostate gland and overgrowth increases the risk of cancer.
5) Age: As age increases, the chances of developing prostate cancer increases.
The cost of prostate cancer treatment in South Korea varies with the type of treatment required by the patient. The cost of treatment in South Korea is less as compared to the cost in countries like US, Canada, Israel, and Germany. Cost of open prostatectomy surgery is about $15000 while the cost of robotic surgery is about $18000 to $19000. The radiation therapy per session is about $5000 while the cost of chemotherapy per session is $2000. The cost of treatment within South Korea considerably varies and depend upon various factors. Hospital infrastructure, type of technology, place in which hospital is situated, the experience of the doctor and the success rate of the hospital for treating prostate cancer significantly impacts the cost of treatment. Further, stay in hospital after treatment, and follow-up visit charges also impact the cost.
South Korea, in the healthcare sector, is one of the most advanced countries in the world. The diagnosis and treatment of diseases are done though ultra-modern technologies, with high accuracy and precision. Various types of surgeries complimented with minimally invasive procedures, are available in South Korea for treating the patient suffering from prostate cancer:
a) Open Radical Prostatectomy
b) Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy
c) Robot-assisted Radical Prostatectomy
Radical prostatectomy is further subdivided into Radical retropubic prostatectomy and Radical perineal prostatectomy.
Prostatectomy for prostate cancer is major surgery and is often performed under general anesthesia. The surgery takes about 2-3 hours. The patient has to stay in the hospital for 2-3 days to evaluate the condition and any other complication. A catheter is attached to the body and remains for a few days to a few weeks depending upon the speed of recovery of the urethra. The normal process of urination and a sexual activity would resume after a few months. Surgical pain is controlled by pain-relieving medications. Some patients may have constipation which can be managed by medicines. Follow up visits and further monitoring is essential to ensure that cancer does not recur.
1) Gangnam Severance Hospital, Seoul
2) Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul
3) Samsung Medical Center, Seoul
4) Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon
5) Asan Medical Center, Seoul
6) Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, Seoul
Following are some of the top Prostate Cancer Surgeons in South Korea:
1) Dr. Eunsik Lee, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul
2) Dr. Hyeon Hoe Kim, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul
3) Dr. Koon Ho Rha, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Seoul
4) Dr. Ji Youl Lee, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, Seoul
5) Dr. Hong Sung Hoo, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, Seoul
6) Dr. Hanjong Ahn, Asan Medical Center, Seoul
7) Dr. Seong Soo Jeon, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul
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