Spine Wellness Center at Gangnam Nanoori International SPINE & JOINT Center

What Is Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery?

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (MISS) encompasses advanced surgical techniques that utilize small incisions, specialized instruments, and imaging guidance to treat spinal conditions. This approach aims to minimize muscle and tissue disruption, leading to quicker recovery and reduced postoperative pain.

Benefits of MISS

• Reduced Recovery Time: Patients often experience shorter hospital stays and faster return to daily activities.
• Minimized Pain and Blood Loss: Smaller incisions typically result in less postoperative pain and reduced blood loss.
• Lower Risk of Infection: The smaller surgical wounds decrease the likelihood of infections.
• Minimal Scarring: The use of small incisions leads to less noticeable scarring.
• Preservation of Muscle and Tissue: The technique aims to preserve surrounding muscles and tissues, promoting quicker healing.

Cost of MISS in South Korea

South Korea is recognized for its advanced medical technology and skilled surgeons, offering competitive pricing for MISS procedures.

Common MISS Procedures and Estimated Costs:

• Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy: Approximately $12,000 USD.
• Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF): Around $30,700
• Percutaneous Endoscopic Cervical Discectomy (PECD): Estimated at $17,140 USD.
• Percutaneous Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy (PELD): Approximately $17,140 USD.
• Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF): Ranges from $14,500 to $22,280 USD, depending on the complexity.

These costs are generally lower than those in countries like the United States, making South Korea an attractive destination for medical tourism.

International Patient Support

South Korean hospitals are well-equipped to assist international patients:

• Multilingual Staff: Many hospitals have English-speaking staff to facilitate communication.
• Comprehensive Services: Assistance with visa arrangements, airport transfers, and accommodation is often provided.
• Telemedicine Consultations: Some hospitals offer online consultations for initial assessments.

Considerations Before Undergoing MISS

• Eligibility: Not all patients are suitable candidates for MISS; a thorough evaluation by a spine specialist is essential.
• Insurance Coverage: Check with your insurance provider to understand coverage for MISS procedures, especially if seeking treatment abroad.
• Recovery Expectations: While recovery is generally quicker, it varies based on the individual and the specific procedure.
  

Common MISS Procedures Offered

1. Endoscopic Spine Surgery

Performed through a tiny incision using a high-resolution camera and specialized instruments. Effective for treating herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and other degenerative spine conditions.

2. Percutaneous Nucleoplasty

A needle-based technique using radiofrequency to reduce the size of herniated discs and relieve nerve compression.

3. Radiofrequency Ablation

Targets and disrupts nerve fibers responsible for transmitting pain, often used in cases of chronic back pain without structural abnormalities.

4. Minimally Invasive Spinal Fusion

A stabilization technique for conditions like spondylolisthesis or severe disc degeneration, performed with less disruption to surrounding muscles and tissues.

Expert Medical Team

The spine team includes board-certified neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons with extensive experience in MISS. Many have received advanced training abroad and are active members of international spine societies. Patients benefit from a multidisciplinary approach, combining surgical and non-surgical treatments tailored to individual needs.

International Patient Support

The center offers a dedicated International Patient Service to help overseas patients with:

• Multilingual staff (English, Russian, Mongolian, and more)
• Assistance with medical visas and travel arrangements
• Personalized care coordination from consultation through post-treatment recovery
• Online medical consultations for pre-evaluation

Location & Contact

• Address: 731 Eonju-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
• Phone (Intl): +82-10-6290-9796
• Email: ihc_info@mfnanoori.co.kr
• Website: ihc.nanoori.co.kr