Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression (MILD)

What is minimally invasive lumbar decompression?

Minimally invasive lumbar decompression (MILD) is a type of surgery that is used to treat pain and other symptoms caused by compressed nerves in the lower back. MILD procedures are less invasive than traditional open spine surgery, and they typically result in less pain, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery times.

MILD procedures can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including:

• Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS)
  
• Herniated disc
• Degenerative disc disease
• Spondylolisthesis
• Facet joint arthritis

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What are the benefits of MILD?

There are many benefits to MISLD, including:

• Less pain: MILD procedures typically cause less pain than traditional open spine surgery. This is because MILD procedures use smaller incisions and less muscle dissection.
• Shorter hospital stay: MILD patients typically have a shorter hospital stay than patients who have traditional open spine surgery. Most MILD patients are able to go home the same day or the next day after surgery.
• Faster recovery time: MILD patients typically have a faster recovery time than patients who have traditional open spine surgery. Most MILD patients are able to return to their normal activities within a few weeks of surgery.

Ware the risks of MILD?

As with any surgery, there are some risks associated with MILD. These risks include:

• Bleeding: Bleeding is a risk of any surgery. However, the risk of bleeding is typically lower with MILD than with traditional open spine surgery.
• Infection: Infection is also a risk of any surgery. However, the risk of infection is typically lower with MILD than with traditional open spine surgery.
• Nerve damage: Nerve damage is a rare complication of MILD. However, it is important to note that nerve damage can also occur with traditional open spine surgery.
• Recurrent stenosis: In some cases, the spinal canal can narrow again after MILD surgery. This is known as recurrent stenosis. The risk of recurrent stenosis is typically lower with MILD than with traditional open spine surgery.

Types of MILD procedures

There are a variety of different MILD procedures that can be used to treat lumbar spinal stenosis and other conditions. Some of the most common MILD procedures include:

• Lumbar laminectomy: A lumbar laminectomy is a procedure in which a small portion of the lamina, which is the bony roof of the spinal canal, is removed. This creates more space for the spinal cord and nerves.
• Lumbar foraminotomy: A lumbar foraminotomy is a procedure in which the foramen, which is the opening where the nerve roots exit the spinal canal, is enlarged. This creates more space for the nerve roots and reduces pressure on them.
• Transforaminal endoscopic decompression (TED): TED is a minimally invasive procedure that is used to treat lumbar spinal stenosis and herniated disc. During TED, a small camera and surgical instruments are inserted through a small incision in the back. The camera is used to visualize the spinal canal and nerve roots. The surgical instruments are then used to remove any tissue or bone that is compressing the nerves.
• Percutaneous laser disc decompression (PLDD): PLDD is a minimally invasive procedure that is used to treat herniated disc. During PLDD, a small laser probe is inserted through a small incision in the back. The laser probe is then used to shrink or vaporize the herniated disc material.

Steps involved in MILD surgery

The steps involved in MILD surgery vary depending on the type of procedure being performed. However, the general steps are as follows:

• The patient is placed under general anesthesia.
• A small incision is made in the back.
• A guidewire is inserted through the incision and guided to the area of the spine that is being treated.
• A small tube is inserted over the guidewire.
• A camera or other surgical instruments are inserted through the tube.
• The surgeon uses the camera and surgical instruments to perform the procedure.
• Once the procedure is complete, the tube and instruments are removed.
• The incision is closed with stitches or staples

Recovery from MILD surgery

Most MILD patients are able to go home the same day or the next day after surgery. The recovery time for MILD surgery varies depending on the type of procedure that was performed. However, most MILD patients are able to return to their normal activities within a few weeks of surgery.