Spinal Surgery in Bundang

Spinal surgery is any surgical procedure performed to correct possible structural abnormalities. Surgeons can move, fix, decompress, and, if necessary, replace vertebral structures through spinal surgery. This is only considered when conservative, non-surgical treatments have not worked and the pain remains persistent, preventing patients from living a normal life and reducing their quality of life. Some common conditions that may require spinal surgery are spinal deformation, compression of the spinal cord, herniated discs, and tumors of the spinal cord, cauda equine syndrome, vertebral fractures, and degenerative disc disease.

There are numerous types of spinal surgery. The type of surgery you will receive depends on your disease or injury, the location, the level of damage, as well as your own characteristics. Some of the most common types of spinal surgery are as follows:

• Spinal fusion – during spinal fusion, your surgeon will join spinal bones (vertebrae) together to prevent pain caused by their movement against each other.
• Discectomy – your surgeon removes part of or the entire disc that slips out of place presses on a spinal nerve, and cause back pain.
• Laminectomy – most commonly used for lumbar spinal stenosis, this surgery involves the removal of parts of the bone, ligaments, or bone spurs in the back to relieve pressure on spinal nerves and ease the pain.
• Disc replacement – your surgeon removes the damaged spinal disc and replaces it with an artificial one.
• Foraminotomy – bones at the sides of your vertebrae is cut away to widen the space where nerves exit the spine. Like laminectomy, this is done to relieve pressure on a compressed nerve and ease pain.
• Interlaminar implant –a U-shaped device is implanted between two vertebrae in your lower back to ease pressure on your spinal nerves by keeping the space between the vertebrae open. This is a minimally invasive alternative to laminectomy.

How Long Should I Stay in Bundang?

You may need to stay in Bundang for at least 10 to 14 days following your surgery to allow for your body to recover and attend follow-up checkups, if necessary. During the follow-up checkup, your overall condition will be monitored and the surgical stitches will be removed. 

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

Recovery depends on the specific disease/injury you have, the type of spinal surgery you underwent, and your overall health. If you are healthy and your job is not physically demanding, you may be allowed to go back to work within 4 to 6 weeks following surgery. However, it takes at least 3 to 4 months for the bones to heal, and healing can continue for at least a year. During this period, there might be some restrictions on your activity. Remember, the recovery period is just as important as the surgery.

What Aftercare is Required?

Following all the instructions and recommendations provided by your surgical team is important to avoid complications and speed up your recovery process. You may need physical therapy following your surgery, which is aimed to restore the strength of your spine and help you return to everyday activities gradually. In certain cases, you may also need regular checkups. You can choose to undergo physical therapy and/or regular checkup at home in your local hospital if you prefer.

What's the Success Rate?

The success rate of spinal surgery, in terms of pain relief, is around 70% to 90%, depending on the type of surgery and the condition treated. The success and safety rate of spinal surgery is higher than it used to be and will continue to increase, thanks to the continuous advancement of spinal surgery. For example, today, many types of spinal surgery can be done minimally invasively. This means that no long incisions are needed, leading to shorter operative and recovery times. Still, there are risks you need to be aware of, such as bleeding, infection, blood clots, and persistent pain.

Are there Alternatives?

Spinal surgery is only considered when other treatments have not worked. If you do not want surgery, make sure to discuss this with your doctor for the best possible alternative. When surgery is not needed, you may take a pain reliever or even try acupuncture to help relieve the pain. 

Spinal Surgery in and around Bundang

About Bundang

Bundang was Korea’s first artificial city and was constructed in the early nineties. Its development had a dual purpose of fostering the middle class and expanding housing supply. Bundang is one of the top locations that international medical tourists choose when they wish to undergo any medical treatment in South Korea. Just like Soul, hospitals, and clinics in this city are equipped with the latest medical technology and staffed by highly trained medical professionals. The doctors who treat foreign patients are of unquestionable quality since doctors in the country go through a long training process to get their medical degree and until they are granted a medical license. Furthermore, the medical costs are quite affordable, allowing foreign patients to have treatments without breaking the bank,

Popular Parts of Bundang

The most popular part of Bundang is Central Park. It is a beautiful park with a stunning old Korean house, which is the last remaining house from the traditional village that once existed in the city during the Joseon era. Tancehon, the small river that runs through Bundang’s heart, is also popular. It is a good place to stroll around or cycle. Another popular area is Yuldong Park, where people can do bungee jumping. Those who love art should visit the Seongnam Art Center, which holds a lot of musicals and pop music concerts, as well as classical music in its opera house. 

Transport in Bundang

Since there is no international airport in Bundang, international visitors will arrive at Incheon International Airport, which serves flights to many cities around the world. From Incheon Airport, visitors can take the subway, bus, or taxi to get to Bundang. Inside the city, the most convenient mode of transport is the Bundang Subway Line. Buses are also available and are relatively affordable. Taxis are everywhere and are the most flexible option to get around, but some will only take you to certain areas.

Visas in Bundang

South Korea allows holders of passports issued by 112 countries, including the US, Russia, and all EU countries, to visit without a Korean visa for 30, 60, and 180 days. Citizens of other countries need to apply and obtain a visa prior to their arrival to the country.

Weather in Bundang

Bundang experiences four seasons. June to August is the summer, which is typically hot, rainy, and humid. Autumn starts from September to late November and it has pleasant weather that is perfect for outdoor activities. The winter, from late November to March, can be freezing. Spring will bring warmer weather and more rainfall.

Additional Info

1. Local Currency:  South Korean Won (KRW). 1 USD converts to approx. 1,1254 KRW.
2. Money & Payments:  ATMs are widespread and credit cards are widely accepted in many restaurants, shops, and hotels. Tipping is not expected and can be considered rude in some places. However, it is okay to tip porters and guides. 
3. Local Language:  The official language is Korean and the formal script is Hangul. English is common within tourist areas.
4. Local Culture and Religion:  Almost half of the population are not religious or follow indigenous religions. Christianity and Buddhism are two of the largest minor religions.
5. Public Holidays: New Year’s Day, Independence Day, and the Birthday of Buddha among others.