Korean Job Discussion Forums

[DongtanTony]

I'm looking for information/opinions of anyone that may have had major or minor surgery performed here in Korea.

I've just sustained an injury to my knee that might require arthroscopic surgery at the very least.

I'm just looking for opinions, stories, perceptions, and possibly outcomes of any individuals that have been under the knife while here in Korea.

Any info would be welcomed...about surgery only please...I'm in too much pain to deal with unnecessary remarks or questions.

[ttompatz]

[dr. love]

The skill of Korean orthopedic surgeons is very good. It is an area that the government is looking to exploit by marketing Korea as a destination for medical tourism.

In terms of cost and quality of treatment, Korea is a good option for your surgery.

I broke my collarbone quite badly last december and needed to have surgery to reconnect the bone. I had a plate with 6 screws attached to my collar bone. I am very happy with the results of the surgery.

In choosing a hospital, you want to make sure communication is not a problem and that the surgeon has plenty of experience. There are many private clinics and hospitals that would be able to offer you this treatment.

If you'd like a referral send me a pm.

[DongtanTony]

Great information dr. love and ttompatz.

I appreciate the specific information as well.

I think I'll be looking into Bundang and possible referrals.

I'll be heading to Suwon University Hospital....I think....tomorrow with the boss

Fortunately...I have no ACL in this particular knee

So at least I know it's not that!! Now I'm worried about my PCL.

I've been under the knife three times on both knees in the past...all basketball related injuries...and guess what I was doing this weekend when I heard the latest "pop".....playing basketball.

Insert dumb a** jokes here!!

But...now thanks to you two...I don't think I'll have to blow my entire savings on this process.

Thanks you guys!!!

[4seasons]

Had artho surgery here on my knee. The facilities were fine, price was right. Had 2nd and 3rd opinions from two other hospitals, one being Yonsei.

However, my doctor had me stop all exercise for weeks before the surgery and that seriously delayed my complete recovery. Also, I did nto realize that I wold have to use a crutch for a few weeks post surgery. Other than that, no problem.



Good luck!!

[DongtanTony]

Thanks for the info 4seasons...especially about the price.

I've scheduled my MRI...in the hopes that I may be able to avoid the knife for a fourth time in my life.

Thanks for the optimism!!!!

[Joe Boxer]

I've broken my hands 5 times while in Korea (I'm a pro boxer). I've had surgery on my right hand twice, and both times I went to the Seoul National University Hospital, near Insa dong, for the procedure.

SNU Hospital is AWESOME because they have a foreigner help center. The kind nurses there will walk you to each doctor's appointment, blood test, X-ray, MRI, CAT scan, DOG scan, and take you to the front of the line EVERY TIME!

Hand surgery was relatively cheap, considering the procedure (bolting two titanium plates to my hand, and taking bone from my pelvis to use as a cement). Don't know about the knee prices, though.

Oh, make sure you stay in six-person room. It's waaay cheaper, and it's really not that bad. It's hard to get those rooms, though, because everyone wants one. The nurses at the foreigner clinic will help you with that, too!

Don't know where you are, but when you get to Insadong, just hop into a cab and say "Seoul Dae Byungwan".

[DongtanTony]

Six person room...I'll keep that in mind.

Thanks for the info Joe!!!

[caniff]

I had my ACL reconstructed a couple of years ago at Baek Hospital in Ilsan. No problems since.

The nurses' bedside manners were great (except for the fact that I had to self-sponge-bathe ).

[bogey666]