An instrument (100) for inserting an elongated hydrogel prosthesis into an intervertebral disc includes an insertion cannula (200) that is inserted through the annulus fibrosus of an intervertebral disc to provide access to the nucleus region of the disc, an elongated hydrogel prosthesis packaged within a tubular container (300) adapted to be coupled to a proximal end of the insertion cannula, and a source of fluid pressure (400) adapted to be coupled to a proximal end of the tubular container. Auxiliary instruments for use in convenient insertion of the insertion cannula through the nucleus pulposus and providing for a complete and controlled passage of the hydrogel prosthesis through the insertion cannula are provided in a kit with the insertion cannula. A sizing apparatus (700) for determining the volume of prosthesis to be inserted includes a catheter or cannula (702) capable of being inserted through the insertion cannula into the nucleus region of the intervertebral disc and having at its distal end a balloon (704) capable of being inflated within the intervertebral disc with a measurable volume of a fluid in order to determine the amount of hydrogel prosthesis to be injected.