Chymopapain or chymodiactin has been the most widely used enzyme for chemonucleolysis with success rates ranging from 66% to 88%. Instantaneous hydrolysis of the chondromucoprotein portion of the nucleus was observed, while surrounding tissues were seemingly spared.

Smith’s procedure was the first disc decompression procedure intended to target the disc itself. The underlying concept was that the removal of disc material would lead to a clinically significant reduction of external pressure on the involved nerve root