Medical specialties

Disc neutralization therapy

Disc neutralization therapy is a non-surgical treatment for acidic intervertebral discs (pH 7.2 or lower). Medication is injected directly into the damaged disc to help neutralize this acidity.

The treatment is designed to supply nutrients to the disc, help restore its elasticity, and relieve pain caused by mechanical stress on the disc. It is also intended to improve the flow of fluid, blood, and nutrients within the disc to support recovery.

By delivering medication directly to the damaged area, the treatment is intended to act on the disc itself, not only on the symptoms.

It may also be considered for spinal stenosis, sciatica, and chronic lower back pain.

Epidural neuroplasty

Epidural neuroplasty is a minimally invasive procedure intended to help relieve pain caused by irritated or compressed spinal nerves.

After local anesthesia, the doctor uses live X-ray imaging (C-arm fluoroscopy) to locate the affected area. A thin catheter is then inserted through an opening at the base of the spine (the sacral hiatus) and guided into the epidural space, which surrounds the spinal nerves.

A special medication is delivered directly to the damaged area through the catheter. This medication includes a local anesthetic, an enzyme, a steroid-type drug, and hypertonic saline.

The procedure is designed to reduce inflammation, swelling, and pain related to scar tissue or adhesions around the spinal nerves.

It may be considered for patients with herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or persistent nerve-related pain.

Collagen injection therapy

Collagen injection therapy involves injecting a collagen-based product into a damaged spinal disc to support its recovery.

Collagen is a natural protein found in the body. It is an important part of connective tissues, including ligaments and tendons.

The treatment may help support tissue recovery and improve pain and physical function.

Before recommending this treatment, the medical team considers the patient’s symptoms, the condition and location of the affected disc, and the type of collagen product to be used.

Endoscopic discectomy

Endoscopic discectomy is a minimally invasive spine procedure that removes disc material pressing on a nerve.

The surgeon makes a small incision, about 0.6 cm (¼ inch), and inserts an endoscope. An endoscope is a thin tube with a camera, and specialized surgical instruments are passed through it.

The camera provides a magnified view of the affected area. This allows the surgeon to remove the disc material causing nerve compression while protecting the surrounding healthy tissues.

Depending on the patient’s condition and the location of the affected disc, the procedure may be performed under local anesthesia.

The medical team reviews each patient’s overall health, age, and existing medical conditions to decide on the most appropriate surgical approach.

Endoscopic spinal fixation and fusion

This minimally invasive spinal procedure aims to reduce bleeding and tissue damage while prioritizing patient safety.
The treatment information describes its use for spinal disorders and notes that it may also be considered for older patients and those with chronic conditions.

Percutaneous nucleoplasty

This procedure reaches the disc without general anesthesia or a skin incision and aims to minimize damage to muscles, bones and nerves.
Under local anesthesia, an Arthrocare needle 0.8 mm in diameter is inserted into the disc. An electrode then uses low-temperature plasma to remove part of the disc’s inner core, or nucleus.
The aim is to relieve pressure on the nerve root and reduce the disc protrusion while preserving the outer ring, or annulus.

The treatment information lists younger patients with an intact outer disc ring (annulus), no clear degenerative changes on MRI, leg pain that is worse than back pain, and no improvement after physical therapy or exercise therapy. It also specifies that patients must have neither spinal stenosis nor spinal instability.

Microsurgical spine surgery

Microsurgical spine surgery uses a surgical microscope to give the surgeon a magnified view of the affected area of the spine.

Through a small incision, the surgeon treats disc material or other structures that are pressing on the spinal nerves.

The magnified view helps the surgeon tell the affected area apart from nearby nerves, muscles, blood vessels, and other healthy tissue.

This approach is designed to relieve pressure on the nerves while preserving as much normal tissue as possible.

It may be considered for patients with herniated discs or spinal stenosis, depending on their symptoms and imaging results.

Filum terminale sectioning

Filum terminale sectioning is a surgical procedure that cuts the filum terminale to reduce abnormal tension on the spinal cord.

The filum terminale is a thin band of fibrous tissue that extends from the lower end of the spinal cord. It helps hold the spinal cord in place inside the spinal canal.

There are two types of this surgery: internal filum terminale sectioning and external filum terminale sectioning. The surgical approach depends on the patient’s condition and examination results.

A detailed neurological evaluation is needed to decide whether the procedure is appropriate.

Lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF)

Lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) is a spine surgery performed through an incision on the side of the body.

The surgeon reaches the lower spine from the side, removes the damaged disc, and places an implant between the vertebrae. The implant helps stabilize the spine and supports bone fusion, in which the vertebrae grow together into one solid unit.

Because the surgeon works from the side, this approach is designed to cause less disruption to the back muscles and surrounding tissue.

The procedure may also help restore disc height, improve spinal alignment, and create more space for the affected nerves.

The medical team decides whether LLIF is appropriate based on spinal stability, alignment, nerve compression, and the patient’s overall condition.

Artificial disc replacement

Artificial disc replacement is a surgery in which a damaged disc is removed and replaced with an artificial disc.

Spinal fusion joins neighboring vertebrae together. Artificial disc replacement is designed to preserve movement at the treated level of the spine.

The goal is to relieve symptoms caused by disc damage while maintaining spinal mobility.

To decide whether a patient is a suitable candidate, the medical team evaluates the condition of the disc, spinal stability, and the surrounding joints.

Microforaminotomy

Microforaminotomy is a minimally invasive spine procedure that relieves pressure on a spinal nerve. It does this by widening the opening where the nerve exits the spine, called the neural foramen.

The surgeon makes a small incision, about 0.5–1 cm (0.2–0.4 inch), and inserts an endoscope with a camera and specialized instruments.

Using the camera view, the surgeon selectively removes parts of the disc, ligaments, or bone that are pressing on the nerve.

The procedure is designed to relieve nerve compression while limiting damage to nearby healthy tissue.

It may be considered for patients with foraminal stenosis, which is a narrowing of the neural foramen, and related symptoms such as pain, numbness, or tingling.

PDRN injection therapy

PDRN injection therapy uses a DNA-derived substance called polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) to support tissue repair.

The treatment involves injecting PDRN into damaged or weakened tissues to help support the body’s natural healing processes. It may be considered for early-stage spine or joint conditions, as well as persistent pain after surgery.

Treatment suitability depends on the patient’s symptoms and the condition of the affected tissue.

Hyaluronic acid injection therapy (cartilage injection)

Hyaluronic acid injection therapy is designed to improve joint lubrication and may help reduce pain associated with osteoarthritis.

Hyaluronic acid is naturally found in joint fluid and helps joints move smoothly while absorbing impact. In people with osteoarthritis, changes in joint fluid can reduce its ability to protect the joint.

Injecting hyaluronic acid into the affected joint may help improve movement and relieve pain. The medical team determines whether this treatment is appropriate based on the patient’s symptoms and joint condition.

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT)

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is a non-surgical treatment that uses shockwaves to stimulate affected muscles, tendons, and other tissues.

The treatment is designed to support tissue recovery and relieve pain. A session typically takes around 30 minutes, and hospitalization is generally not required.

The number of sessions and treatment intervals depend on the patient’s condition. Patients may be advised to limit strenuous activities during recovery.

Arthroscopic joint surgery

Arthroscopic joint surgery is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat problems inside a joint, particularly the knee and shoulder.

The surgeon makes small incisions and inserts an arthroscope, a thin instrument with a camera, into the joint. The camera provides a clear view of the affected area. This allows the surgeon to examine and treat damaged cartilage and other joint structures using specialized instruments.

The procedure may be performed under local or general anesthesia, depending on the patient’s condition and the type of surgery.

Stem cell therapy for knee cartilage

The hospital describes injecting adult stem cells taken from the patient’s own bone marrow into a joint, with the aim of regenerating knee cartilage and restoring joint function.

The conditions listed include osteoarthritis, extensive arthritis following injury or associated with cartilage defects, and severe pain at night that disrupts sleep.

Joint replacement surgery

Joint replacement surgery involves removing damaged joint surfaces and replacing them with artificial components. The procedure aims to reduce pain and improve joint function.

Some patients may experience stinging or numbness around the joint after surgery. Regular exercise, prescribed medication for up to 3 months after surgery, and follow-up visits are important during recovery.

Patients who undergo knee replacement surgery are encouraged to do knee exercises to strengthen their leg muscles. They should also take precautions to prevent falls, which can damage the artificial joint. If a fall occurs, patients are advised to have their knee examined at a nearby hospital.

Strenuous exercise, prolonged walking, and other activities that place excessive strain on the knee should be avoided when possible.

Artificial joints may contain metal and can set off metal detectors at airport security. Patients should tell security staff about their joint replacement if an alarm sounds. They should also tell their dentist, and let medical staff know before procedures such as MRI scans.

Carpal tunnel syndrome treatment

Non-surgical treatment

For mild symptoms, treatment may include wrist splinting, anti-inflammatory medication, or steroid injections into the carpal tunnel.

Surgical treatment

Endoscopic carpal tunnel release surgery may be considered when pressure within the carpal tunnel causes symptoms.

The procedure is designed to relieve pressure by creating more space within the carpal tunnel. The surgery may be performed through a small incision under local anesthesia.

BABA Endoscopic Thyroid Surgery

Bilateral axillo-breast approach (BABA) endoscopic thyroid surgery is performed through small incisions of 1 cm or less near both armpits and the areolas, without making an incision directly in the neck.

Endoscopic instruments are inserted through these incisions to remove thyroid cancer.

Transoral Endoscopic Thyroid Surgery

Transoral endoscopic thyroid surgery involves making three small incisions in the tissue between the lower lip and gums.

Endoscopic instruments are inserted through these incisions to remove thyroid cancer. This approach uses a natural orifice endoscopic technique (Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery, NOTES) without leaving visible external skin scars.

Thyroid Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

Thyroid radiofrequency ablation (RFA) involves inserting a thin probe, approximately 1 mm in diameter, into a thyroid nodule under real-time ultrasound guidance.

The probe delivers radiofrequency energy at 100,000–500,000 Hz, generating heat that destroys the targeted tissue within the nodule.

Vacuum-Assisted Breast Biopsy and Excision (Mammotome)

Mammotome is a vacuum-assisted procedure that uses a specialized needle approximately 0.5 cm in diameter to collect breast tissue samples or remove breast lesions.

The device uses suction to draw breast tissue into the needle for sampling or removal. It may be used to remove benign breast nodules or obtain tissue samples for breast cancer diagnosis.

Appendectomy (Single-Port and Three-Port Laparoscopic Surgery)

An appendectomy can be performed laparoscopically by inserting a camera and surgical instruments through small incisions instead of making a large abdominal incision.

Laparoscopic approaches include single-port surgery, which uses one incision at the navel, and three-port surgery, which uses three incisions at the navel and lower abdomen.

The main difference between these approaches is the number and location of the incisions. The appropriate surgical approach is determined after reviewing the patient's condition and consulting with the medical team.

Epilepsy Treatment

Medication

Approximately 60–70% of people with epilepsy can achieve seizure control with anti-seizure medications. Regular follow-up is important because treatment responses vary between patients.

Surgical Treatment

For patients whose seizures are not adequately controlled with medication, a detailed evaluation may help determine whether surgery is appropriate. Surgical options may include removal of the area where seizures begin.

Neurostimulation Therapy

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) delivers electrical impulses to the vagus nerve in the neck to help reduce seizure frequency.

Polysomnography (PSG)

Polysomnography (PSG) is a sleep study that records brain activity, breathing, heart rate, and oxygen levels during sleep to evaluate sleep patterns and identify sleep disorders.

Coronary Stent Placement

A stent is a small metal mesh tube made of special alloys that is placed inside a coronary artery.

In the past, a balloon was inflated inside the narrowed artery to widen it, but some patients experienced narrowing again within a few months. When a stent is placed after the artery is widened, it helps keep the artery open. Many stents release medication that helps reduce the risk of the artery narrowing again.

During the procedure, a long, thin tube called a catheter is inserted through a blood vessel in the wrist or groin and guided to the coronary artery for coronary angiography. A stent may be placed during the procedure if narrowing of the coronary artery is found.

Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG)

For patients with severe coronary artery narrowing, bypass surgery may be considered as an alternative to stent placement.

The surgery creates a new pathway for blood to flow around a blocked or narrowed part of the coronary artery. The surgeon uses a healthy blood vessel from the chest or leg to create the bypass.

Unlike interventional procedures such as stent placement, bypass surgery is performed under general anesthesia.

Hemodialysis

Hemodialysis is a treatment that uses a machine to remove waste and extra fluid from the blood. It is commonly used for patients with end-stage kidney disease.

During treatment, blood passes through a filter in the machine and is then returned to the body. Most patients receive dialysis three times a week, with each session lasting about four hours. The schedule may vary depending on the patient’s condition.

Hemodialysis helps balance fluids and minerals (electrolytes) in the blood. However, kidney disease can also cause other problems, such as anemia and hardening of the arteries (arteriosclerosis), which may need additional medication.

The Artificial Kidney Center (Dialysis Unit) at Gangnam St. Peter’s Hospital is equipped with high-efficiency dialysis machines in a spacious, comfortable setting. The center has been named an “Excellent Dialysis Unit” in the Korean Society of Nephrology’s accreditation evaluation, in recognition of the quality and safety of its dialysis care. Our kidney specialists work closely with doctors from other departments, including cardiology, emergency medicine, and radiology, to provide coordinated care.

High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU)

High-intensity focused ultrasound uses heat to destroy tumor tissue.
The hospital compares the principle to concentrating sunlight through a magnifying glass. It describes reaching the tumor without skin incisions, after which the body naturally clears the destroyed cells.

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL)

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is a non-invasive treatment that uses shock waves delivered from outside the body to break up urinary stones.

Ureteroscopic Stone Removal (URS)

Ureteroscopic stone removal (URS) uses an Olympus 4K flexible endoscope to reach and directly visualize urinary stones before breaking them up or removing them.

Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PNL)

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) is a surgical procedure in which an endoscope is inserted through a small opening in the back to reach the kidney and break up and remove stones.

Vesicolitholapaxy

Vesicolitholapaxy is a procedure in which a cystoscope is inserted through the urethra into the bladder to break up and remove bladder stones.

High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU)

High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) uses focused ultrasound energy to generate heat within uterine fibroids and treat the affected tissue.

The procedure can be performed without removing the uterus.

Uterine Fibroid Embolization

Uterine fibroid embolization is a procedure that blocks blood flow through the uterine arteries supplying the fibroids.

By reducing the blood supply to the fibroids, the procedure causes them to shrink.

Laparoscopic Surgery

Laparoscopic surgery involves making an incision of approximately 15–20 mm inside the navel to insert a laparoscope and two surgical instruments.

The surgeon uses these instruments to remove uterine fibroids.

Hysteroscopic Surgery

Hysteroscopic surgery involves inserting a specialized scope through the vagina to view the inside of the uterus.

The surgeon uses instruments inserted through the scope to remove uterine fibroids while viewing the procedure in real time.

Hysterectomy

A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the uterus.

Hospitalization and recovery time vary depending on the surgical approach and the patient's condition.

Transobturator Tape (TOT) Procedure for Urinary Incontinence

The transobturator tape (TOT) procedure is a surgical treatment for urinary incontinence.

A mesh tape is placed to support the urethra and help prevent urine leakage when abdominal pressure increases, such as during coughing or sneezing.

The procedure may be performed under spinal anesthesia.

Physical Therapy

Helps improve physical function and mobility through therapeutic exercise, pain management, and gait and balance training.

Exercise therapy

Exercises help improve posture and restore normal movement.

Pain management

Electrical stimulation is used to help relieve musculoskeletal pain.

Walking and balance training

Training helps improve balance and walking ability so patients can move independently and return to social activities.

Occupational Therapy

Provides rehabilitation to improve arm and hand function, daily living skills, swallowing, and cognitive function.

Daily living skills

Patients practice eating, dressing, using the toilet and other everyday activities.

Swallowing rehabilitation

Therapy focuses on restoring swallowing function.

Cognitive rehabilitation

Exercises focus on attention, memory, following instructions and related cognitive skills.

Speech and Language Therapy

Helps improve communication skills through treatment for neurological language disorders, dysarthria, cognitive-communication difficulties, and developmental speech and language disorders.

Exercise Rehabilitation

Our exercise rehabilitation programs are based on evaluations and treatment plans developed by specialists across 15 medical departments, including neurosurgery, orthopedics, and rehabilitation medicine.

Specially trained physical therapists and medical trainers provide individualized, one-on-one rehabilitation programs, including neurological and musculoskeletal rehabilitation, occupational therapy, swallowing rehabilitation, pain management, joint rehabilitation, and strength training.

Endoscopic Sympathectomy

Endoscopic sympathectomy is a surgical procedure used to treat hyperhidrosis by interrupting sympathetic nerve signals.

For excessive sweating of the hands and armpits, the procedure targets the sympathetic nerves at the fourth thoracic level (T4). For lower-body sweating, such as in the legs, it targets the third lumbar level (L3).

Microvascular Decompression (MVD)

Microvascular decompression (MVD) is a surgical procedure in which a small surgical sponge is placed between the facial nerve and a blood vessel pressing against it.

By separating the nerve and blood vessel, the procedure aims to relieve nerve compression associated with hemifacial spasm.