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My Inguinal Hernia Surgery Experience with Dr. Kang in Gibbeum Hospital, Seoul
After an unexpected inguinal hernia diagnosis from intense bicycling, I embarked on a solo journey from Australia to Seoul, South Korea, seeking Dr. Kang’s mesh-free surgical technique. This article details my experience as a non-Korean speaker navigating medical treatment abroad, from initial research to post-surgery recovery.
Why South Korea?
– Proximity to Australia and cost-effectiveness
– Positive reviews about Dr. Kang’s mesh-free technique at Gibbeum Hospital
– Reputation for an efficient healthcare system
Pre-Surgery Preparation:
1. Research and Contact:
– Discovered Dr. Kang through online forums
– Contacted Jungin Kim, the hospital’s English-speaking international coordinator
– Scheduled surgery just two weeks in advance
2. Travel and Accommodation:
– Arrived alone in Seoul on a Sunday night
– Purchased a SIM card at the airport for connectivity
– Used Uber for transportation to Peyto Gangnam hotel
– Chose hotel for safety and convenience, crucial when traveling solo for medical purposes. It was roughly $100USD per night booked through Agoda.
3. Navigating Seoul as a Non-Native:
– Relied on several apps to overcome language barriers:
* Naver for navigation (Korean equivalent of Google Maps)
* T Money app for cashless public transportation
* Shuttle app for food delivery (similar to Uber Eats)
* Papago for Korean-English translations of signs and menus
– Used credit card exclusively, avoiding the need for cash
4. Pre-Surgery Consultation (Day 1):
– Visited hospital independently
– Underwent comprehensive tests (blood, urine, ECG, ultrasound)
– Surprising discovery of bilateral hernia
– Decision to operate on both sides
The Surgery Day (Day 2):
– Arrived at the hospital at 9 AM
– Underwent pre-surgery preparations and tests
– 40-minute surgery for both sides
– Woke up initially pain-free due to anesthesia effects
– Opted to stay overnight due to bilateral surgery and being alone
– Experienced increasing pain overnight as anesthesia wore off
Recovery Timeline:
– Day 3: Hospital discharge with some residual pain, managed post-op care independently
– Day 4: Pain subsiding, removed bandages, walked 1 km
– Day 5: Increased walking speed, explored nearby areas
– Day 6: Mild pain, first shower, visited Samsung Innovation Centre
– Day 7: Nearly pain-free, explored Seoul by bus
– Day 8: Final check-up with Dr. Kang
– Day 9: Unaccompanied flight back to Australia
The journey had its ups and downs, particularly with pain management in the immediate post-surgery period. While I woke up pain-free due to anesthesia, the first night and following day brought more discomfort. However, this subsided relatively quickly over the following days. There was no swelling at all since surgery.
Key Observations:
1. Efficient and streamlined healthcare process in South Korea
2. Dr. Kang’s expertise in mesh-free hernia repair
3. Quick recovery, even with bilateral surgery
4. Cashless transactions possible throughout the journey
5. Total cost was $4KUSD as I had to do bilateral and Lipomia removal. Normal surgery is $2.5KUSD. $500 extra for Lipomia removal if you opt-in.
My experience with inguinal hernia surgery in Seoul was challenging yet overwhelmingly positive. Despite being in an unfamiliar environment and foreign country, the combination of Dr. Kang’s expertise, the hospital’s efficiency, and the mesh-free technique resulted in a successful surgery and recovery. Note that the new name of Gibbeum Hospital is Joy Hospital.
Website: http://www.gibbeumhospital.com/
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This discussion was modified 2 months, 3 weeks ago by
Saroj.
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This discussion was modified 2 months, 3 weeks ago by
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5 Replies
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Another great review for Dr. Kang.
Thanks.
How’s the pain now?
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Pain level is not zero yet…I am at day#10 of surgery. But doctor said everything looks okay.Is that expected?
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Yes. Be patient and take as long as you feel your body needs to recoup. I was very casual on lifting heavy things until a few months after the surgery and I waited over a year before getting into a gym routine. Not mandatory (or perhaps necessary) but I errored on the side of caution.
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Thanks for posting, with the updated details about changes at the Hospital. I have Dr. Kang as my next option if I have problems with the remaining piece of mesh inside me or any type of hernia recurrence. Good luck. Healing takes time, even with the best repair methods. Don’t rush it.
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Glad you had a successful experience too!
If you have time in a few months to update on your progress that would be great!
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