Procedure FAQ — Urology Questions for Foreign Patients in Busan Korea
Both treat BPH (enlarged prostate). TURP uses an electrical loop to remove tissue — ejaculation is permanently affected in ~65% of patients. Aquablation uses an AI-guided waterjet — ejaculation is preserved in 90% of patients (WATER RCT, European Urology 2019). Symptom relief is equivalent. Aquablation is available only at Seomyeon L Urology in Busan.
Yes. AMS (Boston Scientific) and Coloplast honour their global warranties. If the device fails in the USA, the replacement components are covered by the manufacturer. The device card provided at discharge is the warranty document. Any AMS-certified urologist in the USA can perform a warranty replacement.
IIEF-5 (International Index of Erectile Function — 5 item questionnaire) is the validated ED severity tool. Scores: 22–25 no ED, 17–21 mild, 12–16 mild-moderate, 8–11 moderate, 1–7 severe. Calculate before WhatsApp consultation — it helps the surgeon assess first-line treatment.
Cardiovascular (walking, cycling): day 5+. Running: week 2. Upper body resistance training: week 4–6. Swimming and water immersion: week 3–4. Full exercise clearance: week 8 for Grade 3 procedures.
At 9–14 years since vasectomy, the published patency rate (sperm in ejaculate at 3 months) is approximately 79% for microsurgical vasovasostomy. Pregnancy rate for the same group: approximately 44%. Concurrent sperm banking (TESA) at time of reversal is recommended as insurance.
LiSWT (low-intensity shockwave therapy) stimulates angiogenesis in penile tissue — the mechanism is tissue regeneration rather than temporary effect. Response duration: typically 12–24+ months, with some patients maintaining improvement at 3+ year follow-up. Repeat courses are possible. Response depends on arterial cause being confirmed by Doppler.
Procedure Questions — The Detail Behind the Guides
The individual procedure guides on this site cover the main clinical content for each treatment. This FAQ page addresses procedure questions that span multiple guides or require a comparative answer.
Which Procedures Are Reversible?
Fully reversible: HA penile filler (hyaluronidase dissolves it), vasectomy reversal available (97% patency within 3 years)
Partially reversible: LiSWT shockwave (no permanent physical change — if no response, no harm done)
Effectively permanent: Penile implant (corpora cavernosa permanently dilated — natural erection not possible after removal), TURP/HoLEP (tissue removed), vasectomy (reversal possible but not guaranteed)
Temporary: Dapoxetine and nerve blocks wear off — retreatment possible
Which Procedures Can Be Combined in One Busan Visit?
Circumcision + vasectomy: single local anaesthesia, same day
STD testing + any procedure: blood draw same day as procedure
Penile Doppler + shockwave (first session): day 1 Doppler, day 2 first shockwave session
Gynecomastia assessment + surgery: same day for Grade 1–2 if bloodwork clear
Circumcision + penile filler: possible but healing windows differ — discuss with surgeon