Hybrid Operating Rooms

Hybrid operating rooms represent a significant advancement in interventional surgery, as they integrate diagnostic imaging devices and high-precision surgical equipment within the same surgical space. This allows for a multidisciplinary approach where images of the procedure can be obtained in real-time without the need to move the patient.

Thanks to real-time three-dimensional imaging, surgeons have a clear view of both the patient’s anatomy during treatment and the final outcome.

In a hybrid operating room, treatments from different specialties can be applied in complex surgeries more quickly and less invasively, as the procedure becomes more streamlined. Since all processes can be performed in a sterile environment, safety increases, and the risk of infection or complications arising from patient repositioning or prolonged intervention time is reduced.

How Does It Work?

To accommodate different needs, hybrid operating rooms are flexible spaces that can be adapted for various types of procedures. Generally, they have the following characteristics:

• Multifunctional surgical table.
• Imaging device or radiological arch providing angiographic or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
• Shielding to prevent radiation from spreading outside the safety zone.
• Articulated robots capable of performing various interventions.
• High-resolution screens.
• Differentiated, adjacent, and connected spaces for equipment and control room setup.
• Mobile surgical lighting for easy repositioning.
• Ambient lighting.
• Communication systems that allow interaction with adjacent rooms or remote locations.

What Are the Benefits of Hybrid Operating Rooms?

Hybrid operating rooms offer significant benefits for both patients and specialists:

• Ability to diagnose and treat at the same time.
• Shorter and less invasive interventions (requiring fewer incisions).
• Greater safety during the surgical process, reducing the risk of infection.
• Fewer postoperative complications.
• Precise real-time information on the patient's condition and surgical progress.
• Possibility of a multidisciplinary approach.
• Faster recovery.
• Less physical trauma for the patient.

When Are They Indicated?

Hybrid operating rooms can be used for any type of surgery that requires imaging during or after the procedure. Some of their most common applications include neurosurgery, general surgery, vascular surgery, cardiac surgery, urology, otolaryngology, interventional radiology, radiology, hemodynamics, and traumatology.

What to Expect from Hybrid Operating Rooms

When a patient undergoes surgery in a hybrid operating room, they do not perceive a significant difference compared to conventional operations, as the preparation remains the same. Additionally, in most cases, they remain sedated throughout the procedure.

As is customary in these cases, the patient signs an informed consent form and wears the gown provided by the medical center. Then, they lie on the operating table, where the anesthesiologist administers the necessary medication to prevent pain and discomfort during the procedure. If the patient remains awake, a sedative is given to help them stay relaxed.

Once the surgery is completed, the patient recovers faster and generally achieves better outcomes.

Specialties That Use Hybrid Operating Rooms

Hybrid operating rooms are adapted to the needs of various specialties, including neurosurgery, pediatric neurosurgery, cardiology, vascular surgery, radiology, urology, general surgery, otolaryngology, traumatology, and oncology.