Who Is a Good Candidate for DiscoGel®?
Based on published clinical data and systematic reviews, DiscoGel® is mainly used for:
Lumbar disc herniation with back pain and/or sciatica
Small to medium contained herniations (not large free fragments)
Clear correlation between MRI findings and symptoms (single nerve root involvement)
Persistent pain despite 4–6 weeks of conservative treatment (medications, physiotherapy, injections)
Clinical Results & Success Rates
Several clinical studies and a systematic review have evaluated DiscoGel® in patients with lumbar or cervical disc herniation found found that DiscoGel® is generally safe and effective, with significant pain reduction and improved mobility in most patients, and low complication rates.
In published clinical series, good or excellent outcomes (meaning substantial pain relief and functional improvement) are typically reported in around 75–90% of appropriately selected patients, with very few serious complications.
Important notes:
Results may vary depending on disc anatomy, degree of degeneration, and overall patient condition.
Long-term outcomes beyond 18–24 months still require more high-quality data, and some patients may eventually need surgery.
If DiscoGel® fails to provide sufficient relief, surgical options remain available; the procedure does not prevent later spinal surgery.
We always present DiscoGel® as a minimally invasive option between conservative care and surgery, not as a magic cure.
Safety, Certifications & Quality Standards
DiscoGel® is a regulated medical device manufactured in Europe:
It is a Class III intradiscal medical device under the European Medical Device Regulation (MDR 2017/745).
The manufacturer holds EU Declaration of Conformity and is certified under ISO 13485 for quality management systems specific to medical devices, covering the design and manufacture of sterile radiopaque hydrophilic gel for chemonucleolysis (DiscoGel®). biotech-ec.com
Published reviews conclude that percutaneous chemonucleolysis with gelified ethanol (DiscoGel®) is:
Why Consider DiscoGel® Instead of Spinal Fusion or Open Surgery?
For the right patient, DiscoGel® may offer several advantages compared with classic spine surgery:
No bone removal and no fusion – disc and spinal motion segment are preserved
Local anesthesia with or without light sedation – often easier on older or medically complex patients
Very small skin puncture – no large incision, minimal scarring
Short hospital stay – often day-case or overnight
Faster return to daily activities compared with traditional surgery in many cases
If it doesn’t work sufficiently, surgery remains possible later
However, DiscoGel® is not an alternative for every type of disc disease. Patients with large free fragments, severe stenosis, or marked instability are usually better served by classic neurosurgical or orthopedic procedures.
Why Hippocrates Healthcare & Dr. Georgios Pothitakis?
At Hippocrates Healthcare, DiscoGel® is performed by:
Dr. Georgios Pothitakis,International Member of American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
Over 25 years of clinical experience
More than 14,000 surgeries performed across orthopedics and spine procedures
Dedicated to combining evidence-based medicine with a holistic, patient-centered approach to recovery
Our role at Hippocrates Healthcare is to:
Coordinate your case review and medical communication
Organize your appointments, hospital scheduling, and imaging
Assist with logistics (flights, hotels, and optional coastal recovery stays) if you wish
Provide continuous support in English before, during, and after your stay in Greece
Transparent Pricing – DiscoGel® Package
Medical Package Fee: $9,900
(Price per patient – does not include flights or hotel accommodation)
The $9,900 medical fee typically includes:
Pre-procedure medical review and consultation with our surgeon
Review of MRI and any necessary planning imaging
DiscoGel® intradiscal procedure under imaging guidance
Hospital / clinic fees on the day of the procedure
Standard medicines used during the procedure
Early post-procedure follow-up visit in Athens
Not included:
International flights
Hotel accommodation and meals
Long-term physiotherapy programs
Travel insurance
If you wish, we can arrange tailored accommodation and recovery options (e.g. staying by the sea on the Athenian Riviera) at an additional cost, similar to our all-inclusive orthopedic packages.
Your Next Step – Free Case Review
Not every herniated disc is suitable for DiscoGel®, and not every patient needs fusion.
The key is an honest evaluation with an experienced spine surgeon.
How to start:
Book a Free Cosnultation
Share a brief summary of your symptoms (pain location, duration, what makes it worse/better).
Our medical team will review your case and let you know if DiscoGel® could be a realistic option, or if another treatment is more appropriate.
Contact us
Email: info@hippocrates-healthcare.gr
Phone: +30 210 300 0994
Or fill in the contact form on this page and select “DiscoGel Treatment Evaluation” as your inquiry type.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Final indications, benefits, and risks of DiscoGel® will be discussed individually with our surgeon after reviewing your clinical history and imaging.
