MILD Procedure

What is a MILD Procedure?

MILD (minimally invasive lumbar decompression) is a procedure that is performed for treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS), in which a narrowing of the spinal canal causes nerves to be compressed, causing pain and numbness in the lower back and extremities. In this minimally invasive outpatient procedure, your doctor will insert very small tools through an incision in the lower back to remove bone or ligament tissue and free the compressed nerve.

How do you prepare for a MILD Procedure?

Make sure that your doctor is aware of any medications you are currently taking, as well as any allergies you have to dyes or medications that may be used in the procedure. You should avoid eating for at least six hours prior to the procedure and bring someone along with you who can give you a ride home after MILD has been performed.

Why is a MILD Procedure performed?

Lumbar spinal stenosis can be congenital or acquired over time, but in either case it causes pain that often becomes worse with standing and walking for even a short period of time. MILD has a number of advantages over open surgery for spinal stenosis, being minimally invasive and therefore having less risk and a shorter recovery time.

What can you expect during a MILD Procedure?

You will lie facedown on a table and your doctor will apply topical anesthesia, numbing the area but leaving you awake and able to communicate during the procedure. A needle is inserted into the lower back with the help of x-ray guidance in order to inject contrast dye into the affected region. Your doctor will then open a small incision and insert a small tube (known as a port or portal) to gain access to the spine. Small instruments are then inserted through the port to work directly on the spine, removing any harmful bone or ligament tissue to relieve pressure on the spine. The procedure takes around an hour to complete and, following a brief period to monitor the results, you can return home on the same day.

What is the followup and recovery like for a MILD Procedure?

Recovery from MILD generally takes a few days, during which you should avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activities. After this recovery period, there should be a noticeable improvement in your level of pain. If you notice worsening pain after the procedure, or if you develop a fever or other symptoms of infection, you should contact your doctor immediately.

What are the potential risks for a MILD Procedure?

Any surgery has risks, and there is a small chance that the MILD procedure could result in infection or nerve damage, although on the whole it is a significantly safer option with a much shorter recovery period than open surgery.

Are there related services to a MILD Procedure?

Endoscopic Spinal Decompression is another minimally invasive procedure that is used to treat lumbar spinal stenosis. In some cases, this condition may also be treated with the implantation of a Superion Interspinous Spacer.