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Image-guided procedure · 경막외 유착박리술

Epidural Adhesiolysis in Uijeongbu, Korea

A thin, flexible catheter is guided into the epidural space to loosen scar-like adhesions around nerves and wash out inflammatory substances, an alternative for people who want to avoid spine surgery.

In short: A thin, flexible catheter is guided into the epidural space to loosen scar-like adhesions around nerves and wash out inflammatory substances, an alternative for people who want to avoid spine surgery.

What is Epidural Adhesiolysis?

Epidural adhesiolysis (also called a percutaneous neuroplasty or catheter procedure) treats pain caused when inflamed tissue and adhesions trap a spinal nerve. Under C-Arm fluoroscopy, the doctor passes a fine special catheter through a small needle entry point, steers it to the adhesion, gently separates the tissue and delivers medication directly around the nerve. It is used when simpler injections have not given lasting relief.

At a glance

  • Type: Image-guided procedure
  • Korean name: 경막외 유착박리술
  • Performed or prescribed by: Dr. Ji Seung-hun, neurosurgeon
  • Where: Yonsei Leaders Neurosurgery Clinic, 1 minute from Balgok Station Exit 2, Uijeongbu

How it works, step by step

  1. Assessment and MRI review to identify the affected level and side.
  2. Local anaesthetic at a small entry point, usually near the tailbone or the affected level.
  3. Under live C-Arm imaging, a catheter is advanced to the adhesion and contrast confirms the pathway.
  4. Adhesions are released and medication is delivered; the catheter is removed and a small dressing applied.
  5. You rest and are monitored before going home the same day.

Conditions it is used for

  • Lumbar Disc Herniation: A bulging or ruptured disc in the lower back pressing on a nerve, causing back pain and sciatica down the leg.
  • Spinal Stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal that squeezes nerves, typically causing leg pain, heaviness or numbness when walking that eases on sitting…
  • Sciatica: Pain radiating from the lower back or buttock down the back of the leg, caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve roots.
  • Persistent Pain After Spine Surgery: Ongoing back or leg pain after spine surgery, often due to scar tissue (adhesions) around nerves, which may respond to adhesiolysis.
  • Neck Disc Herniation: When a cervical disc bulges or ruptures and presses on a nerve, causing neck pain that spreads into the shoulder, arm or hand with…

Benefits

  • No open incision and no general anaesthetic
  • Treats the nerve directly at the problem level
  • Removes inflammatory substances that sensitise the nerve
  • A reasonable option before considering surgery

Recovery and aftercare

Expect to rest for the remainder of the day. Most people resume desk work within one to two days and gradually reintroduce exercise. Keep the entry site dry for 24 hours and report any fever, worsening weakness or new numbness.

How many sessions will I need?

Adhesiolysis is usually a single procedure, followed by a rehabilitation programme of manual therapy and exercise to maintain the result.

Cost and insurance

Coverage depends on the exact procedure and your National Health Insurance (NHIS) status; the doctor explains costs before treatment. Many Korean private indemnity (실손) policies reimburse non-covered items. See the full price and insurance guide.

Book: call 031-874-7500. Yonsei Leaders Neurosurgery Clinic, 3F Yugyeong Bldg II, 181 Hoeryong-ro, Uijeongbu, Korea, 1 minute from Balgok Station Exit 2. Open Mon–Fri 09:00–20:00, Sat 09:00–14:00. See directions and international patient help.

Yonsei Leaders Neurosurgery Clinic

Address: 3F, Yugyeong Bldg II, 181 Hoeryong-ro, Uijeongbu, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
경기 의정부시 회룡로 181 유경빌딩 Ⅱ 3층

Subway: Balgok Station (U Line) Exit 2, 1 min walk

Hours:
Mon–Fri 09:00–20:00
Sat 09:00–14:00
Lunch 13:00–14:00 (weekdays)
Closed Sun & public holidays

Phone: 031-874-7500

English-friendly · Parking behind the building

Frequently asked questions

Who is a good candidate for epidural adhesiolysis?

People with disc herniation, spinal stenosis or post-surgical scarring whose leg or arm pain has not improved with medication, physical therapy or standard injections, and who prefer to avoid or delay surgery.

Is adhesiolysis a type of surgery?

No. It is a minimally invasive procedure through a needle-sized entry point under local anaesthetic, with no open incision and no hospital admission in most cases.

How soon will I notice a difference?

Some people feel lighter leg or arm symptoms within days, while nerve inflammation can take two to four weeks to settle. Your doctor will review progress at follow-up.

Can it be done for neck problems too?

Yes, a cervical version can be used for nerve pain from the neck, depending on imaging and examination findings.