Urology in Incheon

Urology is a branch of medicine that deals with the diseases of the female and male urinary tract (kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra). This branch of medicine also deals with male reproductive organs (testes, epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate, and penis).

Urology has a number of sub-disciplines, including:

• Endourology – this sub-discipline of urology deals with the closed manipulation of the urinary tract. It includes all minimally invasive urologic surgical procedures, such as prostate surgery and stone removal surgery.
• Urologic oncology – this focuses on the treatment of malignant genitourinary diseases, such as cancer of the bladder, prostate, kidney, ureters, adrenal glands, testicles, or penis.
• Neurourology – this deals with the treatment of conditions involving the nervous control of the genitourinary system or abnormal urination.
• Pediatric urology – this focuses on urologic disorders in children, such as congenital abnormalities of the genitourinary tract, cryptorchidism (undescended testes), underdeveloped genitalia, enuresis, and vesicoureteral reflux.
• Andrology – this deals with disorders of the male reproductive system, such as ejaculatory disorders, erectile dysfunction, vasectomy reversal, and infertility.
• Reconstructive urology – this is a highly specialized field of male urology that deals with the reconstruction of both the structure and function of the genitourinary tract.
• Female urology – this deals with conditions of a woman’s reproductive and urinary tract, such as pelvic organ prolapse, overactive bladder, and urinary incontinence.

Medical professionals specializing in the field of urology are called urologists. Urologists can diagnose and treat diseases of the urinary tract in both women and men, as well as diagnosing and treating any problems in men’s reproductive tract. In some cases, urologists may also perform surgery. In the case of certain conditions, urologists may need to work in conjunction with medical professionals who specializes in other fields, such as oncologist, radiotherapists, nephrologist, and gynecologist.

Urologists can treat the following conditions:

In men:

• Prostate gland enlargement
• Cancers of the penis, bladder, testicles, kidneys, and adrenal and prostate glands
• Erectile dysfunction
• Infertility
• Kidney diseases
• Kidney stones
• Interstitial cystitis, also known as painful bladder syndrome
• Prostatitis
• Varicoceles, or enlarged veins in the scrotum
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

In women:

• Cancer of the kidneys, bladder, and adrenal glands
• Bladder prolapse, or a condition in which the bladder drops into the vagina
• Kidney stones
• Interstitial cystitis
• Overactive bladder
• Urinary incontinence
• UTIs

In children:

• Blockages and other problems with the urinary tract structure
• Bed-wetting
• Undescended testicles

What does Urology Involve?

During your first appointment, your urologist may ask you questions about your health history, any medicines you take, and your current symptoms. Your urologist may do a physical exam that includes a rectal and genital exam. They may also do some tests, such as:

• Imaging tests, such as MRI scans, CT scans, or ultrasound to help them locate the problem.
• A urine test to check for bacteria or other signs of disease.
• A cystoscope (a long, thin tube with a camera on its end) to see inside the urinary tract and take a sample of tissue for testing.
• A biopsy to check for cancer and other disorders.
• Urodynamic testing to check how fast the urine leaves your body, how much pressure there is in your bladder, and how much urine remains in your bladder after urinating.

After your urologist makes a diagnosis, the treatment will depend on your specific condition. It may include the use of medications and surgery.

Types of medication include:

• Hormone treatment for prostate cancer
• Antibiotics for infections
• Phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors for erectile dysfunction
• Chemotherapy drugs for cancer
• Drugs that act on the smooth muscle of the bladder to help reduce urinary incontinence.

Some of the most common types of surgery include:

• A cystectomy, which is a procedure to remove the bladder. This procedure is used to treat cancer.
• A kidney transplant, which involves replacing a damaged or diseased kidney with a healthy one.
• Extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy, which is used to break up kidney stones so they can be removed more easily.
• A repair of damage to the urinary tract due to injury.
• A procedure to open a blockage.
• A repair of urinary organs that are not well-formed.
• A prostatectomy, which is used to remove all or part of the prostate gland. This procedure is performed to treat prostate cancer.
• Transurethral needle ablation of the prostate, which removes excess tissue from an enlarged prostate.
• Transurethral resection of the prostate, which involves the removal of excess tissue from an enlarged prostate.
• A sling procedure, which uses strips of mesh in order to support the urethra and keep it closed. This procedure can treat urinary incontinence.
• A ureteroscopy, which involves the removal of stones in the kidneys and ureter using a scope.
• A vasectomy, which is a procedure to cut and tie the vas deferens, or the tubes that carry sperm. This is done to prevent pregnancy.
• A nephrectomy, which involves removing a kidney to treat cancer.

The surgery can be performed in one of two ways: open through a large incision, laparoscopically through several tiny incisions. Both methods are usually performed under general anesthesia. In some cases, local anesthetic may be used instead.

How Long Should I Stay in Incheon?

Depending on the procedure you will have, you may be able to leave the hospital on the same day or you will have to stay for up to 5 days. In general, it is highly advisable that you stay in Incheon for several days following your procedure for initial recovery and to attend scheduled follow-up checkups. For surgical procedures, you may need to stay in the country for at least 10 to 14 days.

What's the Recovery Time?

The recovery time varies, depending on the procedure you have, the reason why you need the procedure, and your overall health. For surgical procedures, it may take about one to six weeks until you can go back to your full activity. For non-surgical procedures, you may be allowed to go back to your normal routine within several days. Your urologist will give you a detailed recovery timeline, which includes the time you can go back to work, normal activity, and strenuous activities, such as exercise and heavy lifting.

What About Aftercare?

Your urologist will give you a set of instructions for your aftercare. The instruction may include a diet plan, exercise, restrictions, and medication to take, and wound care. It is important that you follow every instruction closely. After surgery, you will be encouraged to do some light exercise, such as walking, to help your healing process. You may also need to eat easily digestible food until you are recovered.

Depending on your specific condition, you may need to attend regular checkups following your treatment. For instance, if you had cancer treatment, your doctor will suggest you attend a checkup once or twice a year to ensure that cancer has not come back.

What's the Success Rate?

The field of urology is at the forefront of research and innovation. Due to its constant advancement, the procedures are becoming more effective and safer. Each urological treatment is also known to offer high success rates. However, any procedure comes with risks, such as infection, bleeding, and damage to nearby organs. Therefore, it is important that you choose a skilled and experienced urologist.

Are there Alternatives to Urology?

If you have any injury or disease in your urinary tract and/or reproductive organ (for men), there is no other alternative besides visiting a urology department. However, if your disease is found to be caused by other problems, the doctor will refer you to a relevant doctor.

Urology in and around Incheon

About Incheon

Incheon is a bustling metropolis located 36km west of Seoul. With about 3 million people living in the city, Incheon is the third most populous city in South Korea. The city is the heart of the Capital Industrial Region and is a major international transport hub for South Korea. Tourists will find historic attractions that date back nearly 5.000 years, gastronomic scenes, fairytale wonderland, picturesque islands, as well as high-tech medical institutions.

Medical tourism has become one of the biggest businesses in Incheon and is supported by the government. In December 2018, the government opened the Medical Tourism Support Center at Incheon International Airport. The center helps medical tourists to conveniently book medical procedures upon landing in South Korea. Medical consultants and nurses who can speak various languages will provide medical consulting services and information regarding medical tourism.

Domestic and International tourists usually come to Incheon for cosmetic surgery (especially for those who are interested in K-beauty), cosmetic dentistry, and health improvement. Incheon’s medical tourism attracts medical tourists for the following reason:

• Hospitals and medical facilities equipped with high-tech medical devices.
• Outstanding doctors and medical practitioners to ensure excellent service and care.
• Cost-effective and high-quality healthcare.

Popular Areas in Incheon

Incheon is steeped in history. Tourists can visit Walmido, a notable site that served as Incheon Landing Operations during the Korean War. Wolmi Theme Park had transformed Walmido into the best spot to have fun. Jayu Park is also known as the ‘Park of Freedom’ and has a General MacArthur statue as the centerpiece. The park offers a fantastic view of its surrounding mountains, downtown Incheon, the port, and the sea. Incheon’s China Town is said to be the best China Town in South Korea with its museum, galleries, and green spaces.

One of Korea’s favorite dishes, Jjajangmyeon, was created in Incheon. Learn more about the history and influence of black soybean noodles in the Jjangmyeon museum, or try them in the best Jjangmyeon restaurant in the world: Goghwachun.

Incheon is home to small, beautiful islands that offer a wonderful escape from the metropolitan city. One of the most popular islands is Muuido. The island has two main beaches: Silmi Beach and Hanage Beach. Both are equally pretty and equipped with seafood restaurants and camping facilities.

Weather and Climate in Incheon

Incheon has four distinct seasons.

• Spring starts from April to June, the city will be full of pink cherry blossoms. Tourists can expect mostly sunny days in spring, making it a popular time of the year to visit Incheon.
• Summer falls between late June and August; the temperature is generally warm with an average of 20 - 29°C but it often rains during summer.
• Autumn has a mild temperature around 11-25°C, the city will be colorful as the autumn leaves start to bloom.
• Winter falls between December and March.

Getting Around in Incheon

Incheon International Airport is the largest airport in South Korea and one of the busiest airports in the world. It is rated as the best airport worldwide and cleanest airport in the world. The airport serves domestic and international flights. The Airport connects South Korea with almost every other country in the world. Major airlines, as well as budget airlines such as Eastar Jet, AirAsia X, and VietJet Air,  operates flights from this airport.

To get to the city center from Incheon International Airport, tourists can take a taxi, a bus. Taxis use meters and the base fare is 3.800KRW, there’s an additional 20% late-night charge from 0.00 am – 04.00 am. Tourists are advised to catch taxis in the designated taxi stop to avoid third-party companies who pretend to be taxis and charge unfairly.

There are several ways to get around in Incheon. Subway is the fastest option to get around, the subway lines will take visitors to major districts in the city. Fares start at 900KRW; tourists can purchase transportation card at the automated machines in the subway station or convenience stores.

Buses are also a great option. The routes run through almost every neighborhood in Incheon. The green buses will take passengers around the local neighborhood; blue buses will take passengers district to district. Green/White buses and Red buses are for long-distance travel, they will take passengers to Buncheon and Seoul. The fares range from 800KRW to 2.500KRW, pay with exact change, or use a transportation card that can be purchased from convenience stores.

The best way to get around if you need flexibility is by taxis. The base fare is 2.600KRW and will increase with the distance. Note that taxi drivers usually don’t speak English.

Tourist Visas in Incheon

Foreign citizens of 107 countries do not require a visa to enter South Korea for 180, 90, 60, and 30 days depending on the country. Citizens of other countries need to apply and obtain a visa before visiting South Korea.

To apply for a visa, South Korea provides an electronic visa application through Korea Visa Portal or you can go to the embassies or consulates of South Korea in your country.

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: The currency in South Korea is Korean Won (KRW). 1USD converts to 1149.00KRW.
2. Money & Payments: Tourists can withdraw money from the ATMs with a ‘Global’ sign. Credit cards are widely accepted in the city but small restaurants and stalls only accept cash. Make sure to always carry some cash. Tourists can exchange most of the major currencies to KRW in banks and moneychangers. Tipping is generally not expected so tourists do not need to tip.
3. Local Language: Korean and Korean Sign Language are the official languages of South Korea. The script is written in Hangul. Most store and hotel employees in the city know some English. All airports and train station signs are written in Hangul as well as English. Major tourists’ attraction typically has English signs.
4. Local Culture and Religion: 50.1% of Incheon’s population is not religious although there are some major religions in Incheon including Christianity and Buddhism. Buddhism is an old religion that has been practiced in South Korea for a long time, but more people in Incheon follows Christianity.
5. Public Holidays: Incheon follows the Gregorian calendar. The city hosts Pentaport Rock Festival, an annual music festival that takes place around August.