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Surgical techniques chosen
with safety and recovery in mind

Based on experience with a wide range of cases and current surgical techniques, our Surgery Center plans each operation with a focus on safe surgery, a better prognosis and a faster recovery.
  • 01

    THR

    (Total Hip Replacement)
    Total Hip Replacement
    01

    THR (Total Hip Replacement)

    Artificial hip joint

    Total hip replacement (THR) was developed as an alternative to femoral head and neck ostectomy (FHNO) for hip disease. After THR, dogs can usually walk and run normally, with little or no pain, for a relatively long time. It is also a demanding operation that requires precision and experience, so it is best performed at a hospital with a dedicated surgical team.

    THR at S

    • A dedicated THR team

      THR is performed by an experienced team, led by a surgeon trained in THR by both BioMedtrix (USA) and BlueSAO & Vetmaster (China).

    • First in Korea: THR for small dogs

      THR used to be possible only for large dogs over 20 kg. After researching the technique, we became the first in Korea to apply cementless dual-mobility THR to small-breed dogs, so small dogs with hip disease can also have THR, with the aim of normal walking and pain relief.

    • Equipment & sterile system

      Our hospitals are equipped for examination, treatment and surgery, with a sterile operating system.
  • 02

    3D-Printing-Assisted Correction

    3D Printing-Assisted Orthopedic Correction Surgery
    02

    3D-Printing-Assisted Orthopedic Correction

    Patient-specific surgical guides

    We use 3D printing in angular correction and fixation surgery to improve accuracy and shorten operating time.

    • Precise surgical planning

      3D printing lets us plan the operation precisely before it begins.

    • Custom guides

      We make a guide for each patient with CustoMedi 3D-printed guides, licensed as veterinary medical devices, which can improve the chance of success.

    • More efficient surgery

      Greater accuracy and shorter operating time help the patient recover faster.

    Each 3D-printed guide is built from the patient's own anatomy and pre-operative CT or MRI scans, so treatment is tailored precisely to the individual animal.

    Surgical planning video, and before and after correction

    • 3D-printed surgical planning
    • Before angular correction
      Before correction
    • After angular correction
      After correction
  • 03

    Minimally Invasive Surgery

    Minimally Invasive Surgery
    03

    Minimally Invasive Surgery

    Endoscopic & laparoscopic procedures

    Minimally invasive surgery uses endoscopic instruments with a tiny camera — arthroscope, laparoscope, cystoscope, rhinoscope — to see and treat the lesion directly through an incision of just 0.5–1 cm.

    Our Surgery Center uses minimally invasive techniques for joint, nasal and bladder disease and more — and, depending on the patient, can diagnose and treat in a single procedure.

    • Arthroscopy: cruciate ligament disease, shoulder joint disease
    • Rhinoscopy: chronic nasal discharge, nosebleeds, examination and biopsy of suspected nasal tumors
    • Cystoscopy: bladder stone removal, investigating blood in the urine, bladder tumor biopsy
    • Laparoscopy: spay/neuter and other procedures
    * The minimally invasive procedures available may differ between our Ulsan and Yangsan hospitals, so please check with us first.

    • Minimal incision

      An incision of just 0.5–1 cm instead of opening up the whole surgical site.

    • High accuracy

      The endoscope shows the affected area clearly while the surgeon operates.

    • Less pain after surgery

      A minimal incision usually means a faster recovery and less pain than conventional surgery.

    • Diagnosis and treatment together

      With the endoscope, diagnosis and treatment can happen in a single procedure.
  • 04

    TPLO

    (cruciate ligament surgery)
    Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy
    04

    TPLO (cruciate ligament surgery)

    Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy

    Corrective techniques for cruciate ligament rupture include TPLO, TWO, TTA and CBLO; TPLO, TWO and TTA are the most common. At S we choose the technique that suits the patient's age, weight and symptoms, and where possible prefer TPLO for its post-operative stability and success rate.

    • Stability and fast recovery

      TPLO avoids the shortened tibia seen with TWO and the extra strain on the patellar ligament seen with TTA. It is a precise technique, generally associated with fast recovery and a good prognosis.

    • Gold Standard

      In countries with advanced veterinary care, TPLO is the most widely performed cruciate ligament surgery and is widely regarded as the gold standard.

    Comparing techniques

    • TPLO technique
      TPLO
    • TWO technique
      TWO
    • TTA technique
      TTA
    Image source: mydogsymptoms.com/tibial-tuberosity-advancement

Frequently asked questions

QCan small-breed dogs have total hip replacement (THR)?
Yes. THR used to be limited to large dogs over 20 kg. We were the first in Korea to use cementless dual-mobility THR in small-breed dogs, so small dogs with hip disease can also have THR, with the aim of normal walking and pain relief.
QWhich procedures can be done with minimally invasive surgery?
Joint surgery and urethral and bladder surgery, among others. Through an incision of about 0.5–1 cm the surgeon can see the condition directly, so accurate diagnosis and surgical treatment happen at the same time.
QHow are the 3D-printed guides made?
Each guide is custom-made for the individual patient from their anatomy and pre-operative CT or MRI scans, using CustoMedi 3D-printed guides licensed as veterinary medical devices.
QHow is cruciate ligament surgery performed?
Corrective techniques for cruciate ligament rupture include TPLO, TWO, TTA and CBLO. We choose the technique that suits the patient's age, weight and symptoms, and, where possible, prefer TPLO, which is widely regarded as the gold standard.
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