Discoplasty With Gel (Discogel)

What it is & how it works

Supporters of the method claim that the gel applied to the intervertebral disc creates such conditions of hydration, shrinkage and change in the collagen, so that it returns to the state it was in before the damage, to its original form.

The placement of the intradiscal gel (Discogel) is done under radiological guidance at the point where the damaged nucleus pulposus is located. The theoretical result is a new, stronger nucleus pulposus that manages to resist pressure, stopping the pain.

In which cases is it applied

The gel discoplasty technique can – under certain conditions – be applied to treat herniated intervertebral discs in the back and neck. A very important advantage of the technique is that it can be applied simultaneously to more than one disc, while at the same time it can be combined with an anesthetic and cortisone injection into the spinal joints and nerves. In other words, the patient with a single technique can face a major problem that was bothering him and had an impact on his daily life.

Success Rates

When the spine surgeon is experienced and the technique is applied with correct indications, the result will have high success rates (>70%). On the contrary, if the indications are expanded, the success rates drop dramatically (50%) and approach those of simple conservative treatment.

 Advantages

Given that discoplasty with gel is a minimally invasive method of treating herniated intervertebral discs, the patient returns home immediately and does not have the risks of classic surgery.

No incisions are made, there is no bleeding, and the possibility of infection is extremely small.

Cost & Price

The cost – price of the operation is affordable for most and depending on some parameters taken into account, it is ultimately low compared to other more serious surgeries, such as spinal fusion.

Discoplasty With Euthermal Laser (Discolux)

What is it & how does it work

Supporters of the method claim that the heat developed with the euthermal Laser placed during the procedure on the intervertebral disc creates such conditions of shrinkage and change in the collagen, so as to stabilize and stop its further degeneration.

The placement of the needle is done under radiological guidance at the point where the damaged nucleus pulposus is located. The theoretical result is a new stronger nucleus pulposus that manages to resist pressure, stopping the pain.

Success Rates

When the spine surgeon is experienced and the technique is applied with correct indications, the result will have high success rates (>80%). On the contrary, if the indications are expanded, the success rates drop dramatically (50%) and approach those of simple conservative treatment.

Cost & Price

The cost – price of the procedure is affordable for most and depending on some parameters taken into account, it is ultimately low compared to other more serious surgeries, such as spinal fusion.