Liquid disc prosthesis (Discogel): treating the herniation without open surgery
Percutaneous nucleolysis with Discogel in Valencia — a minimally invasive option for discogenic pain and contained herniation, when indicated.
Between conservative treatment and surgery there is a middle ground for selected cases. The liquid disc prosthesis —technically percutaneous nucleolysis with Discogel— is a minimally invasive procedure that treats certain disc herniations and discogenic pain through a puncture, without open surgery and without implants.
What is Discogel?
Discogel is a radiopaque gelified ethanol: alcohol combined with cellulose and a tungsten component that makes it visible on X-ray throughout the procedure. It is infiltrated into the nucleus of the damaged disc under image guidance, with continuous radiological control and through a needle, without incisions.
How does it work?
Dehydrates the nucleus
The ethanol reduces the water in the disc nucleus, lowering the pressure inside the disc.
Decompresses the root
As pressure drops, the disc retracts and reduces contact with the nerve.
The cellulose fixes it
The gelified component prevents the product from dispersing outside the disc.
Radiological control
The tungsten keeps the gel visible at all times for a precise application.
Who is it indicated for?
The indication is the key to everything: Discogel is not for every herniation. It is an option to consider when these conditions are met: discogenic pain that typically worsens when bending the trunk; contained disc herniation (the material remains within the disc envelope, no loose fragments); a disc with sufficient hydration (intermediate degrees of degeneration on MRI); a condition that has not responded to well-managed conservative treatment but does not meet criteria for urgent surgery either.
When it is NOT the right technique
These situations contraindicate Discogel and point toward other solutions: a large extruded herniation or free fragment; severe sciatica or progressive neurological deficit; sphincter disturbance or significant loss of strength; absence of pain (a radiological finding without symptoms is not treated).
What the procedure is like
It is performed on an outpatient basis or with a very short stay, usually under local anesthesia and sedation. Through a puncture guided by fluoroscopy, the disc is accessed and the Discogel is infiltrated with continuous image control. The procedure typically lasts 20–40 minutes. Most patients walk the same day and feel mild discomfort that subsides within a few days.
Frequently asked questions
Not in the classic sense: there is no incision or open surgery. It is a percutaneous procedure (through a puncture) under image guidance, performed by a specialist in a controlled surgical environment.
No. It is mainly indicated for contained herniations with discogenic pain and a still-hydrated disc. Large extruded herniations or those with neurological deficit require another solution.
It does not compromise later treatments: if needed, endoscopic surgery or other options can be considered. That is why careful patient selection is so important.
Is Discogel an option for your herniation?
Only an assessment with your MRI can confirm it. Dr. Vilatela reviews your case in private consultation in Valencia and explains whether this technique suits you or what the best alternative would be.