Hybrid technique: A procedure or strategy that integrates components from multiple established methods to achieve improved outcomes, efficiency, or versatility.
Definition:
A *hybrid technique in neurosurgery* refers to the combination of two or more distinct procedural approaches—such as open microsurgical, endoscopic, percutaneous, or endovascular methods—often applied within a single session or in a hybrid operating suite, aiming to maximize therapeutic efficacy while minimizing invasiveness and complications.
Key Features:
Integration of multiple surgical paradigms (e.g., microsurgery + endoscopy).
Often used for complex or multi-compartmental pathologies.
Requires high-level coordination and multidisciplinary planning.
Frequently performed in hybrid operating rooms with real-time imaging.
Examples:
Cerebral Aneurysms: Combined microsurgical clipping and endovascular coiling in giant or partially thrombosed aneurysms.
Skull Base Tumors: Endoscopic endonasal debulking followed by transcranial resection for extensive lesions.
Spinal Stabilization: Anterior discectomy combined with posterior percutaneous screw fixation.
Arteriovenous Malformations (AVMs): Preoperative embolization followed by open microsurgical resection.
Hybrid OR Procedures: Intraoperative angiography-guided resection of vascular lesions.
Clinical Advantages:
Tailored approach to complex pathology.
Reduced surgical morbidity.
Better visualization and control of critical structures.
Potential for single-stage resolution of multifaceted problems.
Considerations:
Requires advanced infrastructure and imaging tools.
Demands coordination among neurosurgeons, interventional radiologists, and anesthesiologists.
Not universally applicable; patient selection is critical.