Brachytherapy is an established prostate cancer treatment in South Korea, primarily offered at JCI-accredited university hospitals in Seoul. It involves placing radioactive seeds directly into the prostate. This kills cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. The procedure typically costs from $13,800 to $19,200.
- Clinical centres: Treatment is concentrated in Seoul at institutions like Severance Hospital and SNUH.
- Pricing details: Local costs average $13,800, which is about 31% less than Australia.
- Hospital stay: Patients usually spend 2–3 nights in hospital for monitoring and recovery.
- Advanced imaging: Surgeons use transrectal ultrasound to ensure precise seed placement during the procedure.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While South Korea is famous for robotic surgery, brachytherapy remains a specialised niche. Top hospitals like Severance Hospital partner with MD Anderson in the US, ensuring radiation protocols meet global standards. This collaboration provides high-level expertise for patients seeking internal radiation over surgery.
Patient Consensus: Patients report the procedure involves roughly 100 radioactive seeds and preserves potency well. Some experience temporary urinary urgency after the seeds are implanted in Seoul hospitals.