TL;DR: Five procedures treat BPH in Busan: Aquablation (ejaculation preserved 90%), UroLift (100%), Rezum (~92%), TURP (~36%), HoLEP (~50%). Cost: USD $3,400–$6,200 depending on procedure. All five available at Seomyeon L Urology; UroLift/Rezum/TURP/HoLEP at most other Busan urology clinics.
What is BPH and who needs treatment?
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland causing urinary obstruction. The IPSS (International Prostate Symptom Score) is used to grade severity: 0–7 mild, 8–19 moderate, 20–35 severe. Foreign patients with IPSS ≥12 and bothersome symptoms are typical surgical candidates.
Symptoms: weak stream, incomplete emptying, frequency, urgency, nocturia, straining. Diagnosis requires TRUS (transrectal ultrasound) to measure prostate volume, uroflowmetry, and PSA. All three available same-day at Busan urology clinics.
Five Procedures Compared
BPH treatments in Busan are compared below. The key differentiator for most foreign patients is ejaculation preservation — because retrograde ejaculation (dry orgasm) from TURP is permanent and affects quality of life.
**Aquablation (AQUABEAM Robotic System):** AI-guided waterjet resection. Ejaculation preserved in ~90% vs 36% for TURP. Only available in Busan at Seomyeon L Urology (PROCEPT-certified). USD $4,800–$6,200.
**UroLift:** Mechanical implants lift the prostate lobes. Ejaculation preserved 100%. Day surgery, catheter 0–1 day. Best for prostate ≤80mL without median lobe. USD $4,200–$5,400.
**Rezum:** Steam therapy. Ejaculation preserved ~92%. Day surgery, catheter 2–3 days. Best for 30–80mL with median lobe. USD $3,900–$5,000.
**TURP:** Gold standard. Ejaculation preserved ~36%. Spinal anaesthesia, catheter 5–7 days. Best for large prostates or prior treatment failure. USD $3,200–$4,200.
**HoLEP:** Holmium laser enucleation. Most durable (2–4% retreatment at 10yr). Ejaculation preserved ~50%. USD $4,000–$5,200.
Recovery and Fly-Home Timeline
Minimum Busan stay varies by procedure: Aquablation 7–10 days; UroLift 4–5 days; Rezum 4–5 days; TURP 8–10 days; HoLEP 8–10 days. Short-haul flight clearance: day 4–5 for UroLift/Rezum, day 5–7 for Aquablation, day 8–10 for TURP/HoLEP. All clearances issued individually in writing.
Which Busan Clinics Offer BPH Treatment?
Aquablation: Seomyeon L Urology only (PROCEPT certified). UroLift, Rezum, TURP, HoLEP: all 5 private clinics. For academic/hospital urology: Busan Paik Hospital and Dong-A University Hospital.
Cost Comparison — Korea vs USA
| Procedure | Busan, Korea (USD) | USA Private | Saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aquablation (AQUABEAM) | $4,800–$6,200 | $12,000–$20,000 | ~60% |
| UroLift | $4,200–$5,400 | $8,000–$14,000 | ~55% |
| Rezum Water Vapor | $3,900–$5,000 | $7,000–$12,000 | ~52% |
| TURP | $3,200–$4,200 | $12,000–$20,000 | ~70% |
| HoLEP | $4,000–$5,200 | $14,000–$22,000 | ~68% |