To find the cause
- Pelvic pain that tests have not explained
- Suspected endometriosis not seen on ultrasound
- Pain with sex or painful periods despite treatment
Small cuts, faster recovery
Laparoscopy in Gangnam, Seoul, with small incisions and a female surgical team
Laparoscopy is keyhole surgery: the surgeon looks inside your pelvis with a thin camera passed through a small cut near the belly button and operates through a few other small cuts. At Sinsoe Women's Clinic in Gangnam, Seoul, female OB-GYNs use laparoscopic and robotic surgery for fibroids (myomectomy), ovarian cysts, endometriosis and diagnostic laparoscopy. Operations take place in the clinic's B2 surgery center, and you rest afterwards in a private 5F recovery room. An English-speaking coordinator stays with you from planning to follow-up.
- Laparoscopic and robotic surgery
- B2 surgery center, 5F recovery rooms
- Fibroids, cysts, endometriosis
- All-female doctors
- English coordinator throughout
- B2 in-house surgery center
- 5F private recovery rooms
- 5 female doctors on one team
- EN English coordinator from planning to follow-up
The basics
What is laparoscopy?
In laparoscopy, the belly is gently filled with carbon dioxide gas so the surgeon can see clearly. A thin camera shows the uterus, ovaries and tubes on a screen, and small instruments do the work through cuts of about 5 to 10 mm.
It can be diagnostic, to find the cause of pain or confirm endometriosis, or operative, to remove fibroids, cysts, endometriosis or adhesions in the same operation.
Robotic surgery is a form of laparoscopy where the surgeon controls robotic instruments that bend like a wrist. It can help with complex or deep surgery. Your doctor explains whether it adds value in your case.
Used for What laparoscopy can treat at Sinsoe
- Fibroids (laparoscopic or robotic myomectomy)
- Ovarian cysts, including dermoid and chocolate cysts
- Endometriosis spots and adhesions
- Unexplained pelvic pain (diagnostic laparoscopy)
- Other surgery decided case by case, such as hysterectomy
Different from
- Hysteroscopy, which goes through the vagina into the uterus with no cuts. See uterine polyp removal
- Non-surgical HIFU or RF for fibroids. See fibroid removal
Who it's for
When is laparoscopy recommended?
Laparoscopy is usually suggested when scans and medicine are not enough, or when tissue needs to come out.
To remove a problem
- Fibroids that need taking out rather than shrinking
- Ovarian cysts that persist, grow or may twist
- Endometriosis and scar tissue (adhesions)
- Cysts that need lab testing
After surgery, contact us at once if you have:
- Fever over 38°C
- Pain that gets worse instead of better
- Heavy bleeding, or redness and discharge from a cut
- Trouble breathing or a swollen, painful leg
Message us on WhatsApp straight away. If it is an emergency, go to the nearest hospital emergency room.
Types of surgery
Types of gynecologic keyhole surgery
The approach depends on what needs to be done and where.
Diagnostic laparoscopy
A camera look inside the pelvis to find endometriosis, adhesions or other causes of pain. Small problems can often be treated during the same operation.
Unexplained painOperative laparoscopy
Removal of fibroids, cysts or endometriosis through small cuts. Most patients go home soon after and recover faster than after open surgery.
Fibroids, cystsRobotic surgery
Laparoscopy with robotic instruments for precise stitching and work in tight spaces, such as myomectomy of deep fibroids.
Complex cases Step by step
Your laparoscopy in Gangnam, step by step
Everything happens in one building, from the first scan on 2F to surgery on B2 and recovery on 5F.
- 1 Message us in English On WhatsApp. Send scan reports and your dates if you are flying in.
- 2 Check in on 2F Bring your passport or Alien Registration Card. Reception and the OB-GYN clinic are on the 2nd floor.
- 3 Consultation and tests A female OB-GYN examines you, reviews scans and orders pre-surgery blood tests. She explains the risks before you sign.
- 4 Surgery on B2 Under general anesthesia in the B2 surgery center. Most operations take about 1 to 2 hours.
- 5 Recovery on 5F You wake in a private 5F recovery room. Your doctor explains what was found and plans a follow-up visit.
How to prepare
- Do not eat or drink for the hours your coordinator tells you before anesthesia.
- Tell your doctor about all medicines, especially blood thinners and supplements.
- Bring loose clothes that do not press on your belly.
- Arrange for someone to take you home.
The first two weeks
Sore cuts, bloating and shoulder-tip pain from the gas are normal for a few days. Walking gently helps. Most women return to desk work within 1 to 2 weeks.
Avoid heavy lifting, baths, swimming and sex until your doctor says it is fine, usually 2 to 4 weeks depending on the operation.
Honest picture
Recovery timeline and risks
Laparoscopy is a common, well-established operation, but it is still surgery. Here is what to expect.
Day of surgery
Recovery room on 5F
You rest until the anesthesia wears off. Your doctor explains the next steps before you leave.
Days 1 to 7
Sore and tired
Pain is usually managed with tablets. Shoulder-tip pain and bloating fade within a few days.
Weeks 2 to 4
Back to normal
Most daily activities return. Your doctor checks the cuts and talks you through any lab results.
Risks
Uncommon but real
Bleeding, infection, reactions to anesthesia, blood clots, and rarely injury to the bowel, bladder or blood vessels, which may need further surgery. Your doctor discusses your personal risk.
Expats & visitors
Having laparoscopy in Korea as a foreigner
Surgery abroad needs a little more planning. Here is what helps.
Surgery and follow-up nearby
Bring your Alien Registration Card. Your follow-up check is at the same clinic about 1 to 2 weeks later.
When can you fly?
Plan at least 1 week in Seoul after laparoscopy, longer for bigger operations. Long flights raise the risk of blood clots, so walk and drink water. Your doctor confirms you are fit to fly.
Operation notes in English
Ask for an English medical certificate, operation summary and lab results for your insurer and home doctor.
Quick answers
Laparoscopy in Seoul: common questions
Where can I get gynecologic laparoscopy in Gangnam with an English-speaking doctor?
Sinsoe Women's Clinic at 537 Nonhyeon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul offers laparoscopic and robotic surgery by female OB-GYNs, with an English-speaking coordinator. It is a 4-minute walk from Eonju Station Exit 7 (Line 9). Book on WhatsApp at +82-10-9517-5719.
How long does laparoscopy take?
Diagnostic laparoscopy can be under an hour. Operations to remove fibroids or cysts often take about 1 to 2 hours, depending on the case.
Will I have scars?
You will have 2 to 4 small scars, usually 5 to 10 mm, one hidden in or near the belly button. They fade over months.
How long is recovery after laparoscopy?
Most women return to desk work in about 1 to 2 weeks and to full activity, including exercise and sex, in 2 to 4 weeks.
Is robotic surgery better than laparoscopy?
Not always. Robotic surgery helps with some complex operations. For many cases standard laparoscopy works just as well. Your doctor explains which suits you.
How much does laparoscopy cost in Seoul?
It depends on the operation. The coordinator gives you an estimate after your consultation and scans.
When can I fly home after laparoscopy?
Usually after about a week for simple operations, if you feel well and your doctor agrees. Bigger operations need longer.
Can foreigners have surgery at Sinsoe?
Yes. Visitors are treated as self-pay patients. Bring your passport and share your dates with the coordinator when you book.
Ready when you are
Ask about laparoscopy in Gangnam, Seoul
Send your scan reports and questions in English. A coordinator arranges a consultation with a female OB-GYN.
Sinsoe Women's Clinic
537 Nonhyeon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06126, South KoreaEonju Station Exit 7 (4 min) · Yeoksam Station Exit 6 (5 min)
| Mon & Fri | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Tue, Wed, Thu | 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |