What is it?

The MILD procedure is a minimally invasive procedure that is effective for some causes of spinal stenosis or narrowing of the spinal canal. A very small incision is made. Small amounts of tissue and bone are removed in order to relieve the pressure caused by spinal stenosis and provide pain relief.

Additional patient information from Vertos Medical

What are the expected results?

Pain relief is typically noted within two hours after the procedure. As inflammation from the procedure occurs, pain may return for a few days; pain relief recurs as the inflammation subsides (only a few days).

How long will it take?

It takes 20-30 minutes for each spinal level that is done. Patients are typically kept in the hospital overnight and discharged the next day.

What happens after the procedure?

You will be monitored overnight; most patients are discharged the next day. Written instructions will be sent home with you.  There is no restriction in regards to when you can return to work or normal activities.

What to expect the day of your procedure

You are expected to arrive at the surgery center at least one hour before your procedure is scheduled. Bring a responsible adult driver with you because you may be receiving medications that could impair your ability to drive.  Unless you are certain you will not be receiving sedation, do not eat anything for 6 hours prior to your procedure; you may have modest amounts of clear liquids (liquids you can see through) up to 4 hours beforehand.  Please take your regularly scheduled blood pressure, heart, asthma, long-acting narcotic and nerve pain medications with sips of water as you normally would. If you have diabetes, take half of your normal dosage and bring your insulin with you.  Be sure to discontinue aspirin products and any other blood thinners as instructed.

After you arrive, you will be asked to sign-in and complete any paperwork as needed. You will then be taken to the preoperative area. At this time, a nurse will ask you some medical questions and have you sign your consent forms. It is imperative that you, the patient, inform the assistant of any changes in your history and/or physical, such as recent flu or any health problems that might affect your procedure. Inform the staff of any allergies, especially to Betadine or Iodine.

You may be asked to change into a gown.  An assistant will take your vital signs and an IV may be started in order to provide pain relief and relaxation.

The physician and nurse will talk to you before your procedure.  In certain cases, an anesthesiologist may also be utilized.  You will then be positioned and the injection sites will be prepped.  Your pain management physician will perform the procedure. Medications may be administered before and during your procedure to help you relax and provide pain relief. You may doze off during this time.  Afterward, bandages will be applied as needed.

You will be transported to the recovery room area where you will be monitored anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. You will be offered beverages and some crackers. After this, someone will take out your IV and help you get dressed if needed. Lastly, your caregiver will be given discharge instructions for your care at home.