Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov)
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Dr. Zvi Cohen is the Director of the Neurosurgery Department at Sheba Medical Center. He was recently recognized in Forbes Israel’s Best Doctors list for 2025. Dr. Cohen specializes in treating complex brain, pituitary, and spinal cord tumors. He founded the brain tumor tissue bank at Sheba to support oncological research. Dr. Cohen is board-certified in neurosurgery and leads clinical trials for malignant brain tumors.
Dr. Einat Shacham Shmueli is a senior medical oncologist at Sheba Medical Center. She specializes in gastrointestinal cancers, treating the colon, stomach, and pancreas. Dr. Shacham Shmueli holds dual board certifications in oncology and gastroenterology. She trained at UCSF in the United States. Her clinic at Sheba Medical Center is ranked among the top 10 hospitals worldwide.
Dr. Yuri Goldes is the Deputy Director of General Surgery at Sheba Medical Center. He pioneered some of Israel’s first robotic resections for stomach and pancreatic cancers. Forbes Israel named him among the nation’s best gastrointestinal surgeons. In 2019, he received the Best Doctor of the Year award from the Israeli Ministry of Health.
Dr. Nir Kleinmann directs the Endourology and Kidney Stones Unit at Sheba Medical Center. He is a pioneer in kidney-sparing laser surgery for complex tumors. Forbes and ResultMed named him among Israel’s Best Doctors for 2025 and 2026. Dr. Kleinmann uses a unique dual-laser system to preserve organ function during cancer treatment.
Nuclear medicine in Israel treats oncological, endocrine, and inflammatory conditions. Specialized centers use radiopharmaceuticals like Lutetium-177 and Iodine-131. These therapies target prostate cancer, thyroid disorders, and neuroendocrine tumors. Facilities such as Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) provide these advanced molecular treatments to international patients.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) serves over 1,800,000 patients annually. Its scale allows doctors to pioneer new molecular protocols. Patients often find faster access to Lutetium-177 therapies here compared to other regions. This high volume translates into deep institutional expertise in complex radiopharmaceutical administration.
Patient Consensus: Patients report that Lutetium-177 therapy significantly improved their quality of life. Many note that these targeted treatments had fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy. Those seeking Iodine-131 often mention that the isolation periods are shorter and more manageable than expected.
Nuclear medicine in Israel is exceptionally safe. It follows strict International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) protocols. Facilities use advanced PET-CT and SPECT-CT hybrid imaging. These technologies provide high-quality diagnostics with the lowest possible radiation doses. Centers like Sourasky Medical Center prioritize patient safety through rigorous international standards.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Our data shows that top Israeli centers like Sourasky Medical Center integrate digital imaging and AI directly into nuclear medicine workflows. This automation reduces human error in dosage calculations. Clinics with over 6,000 employees typically have more dedicated safety officers per department than smaller facilities. This infrastructure ensures that radiation protocols are followed more consistently during complex isotope treatments.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that the treatment process is very professional and organized. They emphasize that radiation levels are monitored closely and isolation rooms are kept remarkably clean.
Nuclear medicine uses internal radiopharmaceuticals to treat cancer systemically from within the body. Conventional radiation therapy employs external machines to aim high-energy beams at specific tumors. Israeli centers like Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) use these complementary methods to target both localized and metastatic diseases effectively.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data from Sourasky Medical Center shows a 90% success rate for oncology treatments. This performance often stems from combining both modalities in a single facility. High-volume centers with over 1,500 beds can coordinate these complex therapies faster than smaller clinics. This integration reduces the total time patients spend in active treatment.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that nuclear medicine involves minimal pain during injections compared to external radiation. Many emphasize asking doctors how long isotopes stay in the body after treatment ends.
Radioactivity levels after procedures in Israel depend on the specific treatment type. Diagnostic scans like PET or bone scans leave you mildly radioactive for 24–48 hours. Internal therapies using isotopes like I-131 require stricter isolation for 3 to 14 days to protect others.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli facilities like Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) manage over 1.8 million patient visits annually. Their high volume means protocols for post-procedure isolation are highly standardized. Our data shows these centers often coordinate local stay arrangements specifically designed for isotope therapy recovery. This ensures international patients meet safety rules before flying home.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that triggers at airport security can happen even weeks later. Many recommend keeping your medical discharge papers handy to explain any sensor alerts during travel. Others suggest using disposable utensils and sleeping alone for the first week to keep family safe.
Nuclear medicine studies in Israel typically require 2 to 6 hours from arrival to departure. Most results are finalized within 24 to 48 hours. Patients often access preliminary findings through online portals or apps sooner. Timing depends on the specific tracer uptake and scanning complexity.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli medical centers like Sourasky Medical Center leverage advanced digital infrastructure for rapid results. Data shows that using the hospital's patient portal often provides access to findings faster than waiting for a doctor's call. This is especially useful for international patients traveling from Tel Aviv shortly after their diagnostic scans.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that the process is efficient but recommend bringing a book for the long waiting periods. Many emphasize that private facilities often provide quicker turnaround for results compared to public hospitals.
Preparation for a nuclear medicine test in Israel requires fasting for 4–6 hours for PET-CT or cardiac scans. Patients must avoid strenuous exercise for 48 hours before appointments. Major centers like Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) require warm, metal-free clothing and proper hydration to aid radiotracer circulation.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) treats over 400,000 patients annually and uses advanced digital imaging systems. Our data shows that high-volume Israeli centers often provide preparation materials in both Hebrew and English. Requesting these written guides early prevents common misunderstandings regarding specific medication pauses before complex scans.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize arriving 20 minutes early because parking at major Israeli hospitals is often difficult. They also recommend bringing a Hebrew-speaking friend to smaller clinics where English-speaking staff might be limited.
Israel is a premier neurosurgery hub due to its fusion of high-density medical innovation and elite surgical expertise. Top facilities like Sheba Medical Center integrate AI-guided navigation and real-time intraoperative MRI. Specialized centers report 98% success rates for complex procedures including awake craniotomy and movement disorder treatments.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data shows a clear divide between public and private options in Israel. Private centers like Assuta Medical Center perform over 92,000 operations annually and allow patients to select their specific lead surgeon. This is a vital advantage for complex cases where a specific expert like Dr. Eli Ashkenazi is preferred for his 1,000+ spine surgery record.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize bringing original imaging on a USB for local review to streamline the surgical plan. They also note that private packages often include hotel coordination and airport transfers, making the logistics much smoother.
Israeli neurosurgeons treat a full spectrum of conditions ranging from brain and spinal tumors to complex functional disorders. Specialized centers utilize advanced technologies like Gamma Knife, deep brain stimulation, and intraoperative MRI to manage epilepsy, Parkinson disease, and cerebrovascular pathologies with high precision.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli hospitals often combine specialties to handle complex cases. At Sourasky Medical Center, neurosurgeons like Dr. Zvi Lidar bridge neurosurgery and orthopedics for spinal care. This multidisciplinary approach allows clinics to perform 34,000+ operations annually. Choosing a facility with this crossover expertise often leads to more comprehensive treatment plans for degenerative diseases.
Patient Consensus: Patients value the ability to access specialized treatments like fluorescence-guided surgery for tumors which are often unavailable elsewhere. Many note that the staff is fluent in English and provides clear communication through teleconsultations before traveling.
Israel is home to world-renowned neurosurgery centers like Sourasky Medical Center, Sheba Medical Center, and Hadassah Medical Center. These facilities are globally ranked for treating complex brain tumors, spinal disorders, and movement diseases. They utilize advanced technologies like Gamma Knife, robotic systems, and intra-operative MRI.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Our data shows that while most patients focus on Tel Aviv, Rambam Medical Center in Haifa offers unique expertise in neuro-trauma. It operates a specialized neuro-ICU and serves nearly 1 million patients annually. This makes it an essential choice for complex post-trauma brain surgeries that requires intensive recovery support.
Patient Consensus: Patients note it is important to start consultations early. They often highlight that the precision and follow-up care for complex brain tumors exceeded their expectations. One patient emphasized how quickly they could connect with top professors for second opinions during critical neurosurgical cases.
Israel's leading neurosurgeons include Prof. Zvi Ram, Prof. Shlomi Constantini, and Prof. Itzhak Fried at Sourasky Medical Center. These specialists hold leadership roles in the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies (EANS) and the World Society for Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery (WSSFN). They utilize advanced intraoperative mapping and robotic systems.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data from Sourasky and Sheba indicates a strong correlation between high surgical volumes and patient safety. For example, Sourasky performs 34,000+ operations annually with a 90% oncology success rate. Patients seeking complex tumor removals should prioritize centers like these where surgeons perform hundreds of specific cases each year.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize the importance of finding a surgeon who specializes specifically in your condition rather than a generalist. Many note that high-volume centers provide better access to English-speaking staff and coordinated care for international visitors.
International neurosurgery patients in Israel must provide comprehensive medical records including recent MRI or CT scans translated into English. Admission requires a clinical review by specialists to confirm treatment feasibility. Hospitals often mandate full advance payment or a significant deposit before confirming surgery dates or issuing visa support letters.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data shows that top Israeli facilities like Sheba Medical Center and Hadassah Medical Center handle massive patient volumes, exceeding 1,000,000 people annually. This high demand means clinics prioritize complex or rare cases over routine procedures. Patients with unique or high-risk conditions often receive faster admission approval than those seeking standard treatments available elsewhere.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that having all imaging results ready in English is essential for quick scheduling. Many emphasize that while the medical care is excellent, coordinating around Shabbat closures is necessary to avoid unexpected diagnostic delays.
A standard stay for neurosurgery in Israel ranges from 10 to 14 days for uncomplicated cases. Patients undergoing complex procedures like brain tumor removal or deep brain stimulation often require 4 to 6 weeks. This timeline covers pre-operative diagnostics, the surgical procedure, and essential post-operative monitoring.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data from Sourasky Medical Center shows they treat over 400,000 patients annually with high success rates. Clinics with such high volumes, like Hadassah or Assuta, often have streamlined discharge protocols. This helps international patients transition to hotel-based recovery faster while maintaining access to top specialists.
Patient Consensus: Patients note it is vital not to rush home too early. Some travelers extended their stay to 3 weeks due to swelling or to ensure they received final surgeon clearance before flying.
Israeli neurosurgery uses robotic guidance, real-time 3D imaging, and incisionless technologies to minimize physical trauma. Systems like Mazor Robotics provide sub-millimeter precision for spine implants. MRI-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) treats tremors without incisions. These advanced tools ensure high accuracy and reduce recovery times.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli clinics like Sourasky or Hadassah integrate proprietary Israeli-born technologies like Surgical Theater before they hit global markets. Our data shows these centers often use VR flight-through models for pre-surgical planning. This allows surgeons to rehearse complex cases, which is a key factor in their 90% success rates.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that technologies like the Gamma Knife allowed them to return home in days rather than weeks. Many move from traditional 10cm incisions to cuts under 2cm when using robotic-assisted systems.
Israel is a global leader in neurosurgery due to its integration of proprietary medical innovations and internationally trained specialists. High-capacity centers like Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) perform over 34,000 annual surgeries. Patients access advanced techniques like awake craniotomy and MR-guided focused ultrasound.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli neurosurgery stands out because of the high concentration of dually certified experts. Many top surgeons, such as Dr. Zvi Lidar, are certified to practice in both Israel and the USA. This ensures that patients receive American-standard surgical care while staying in Tel Aviv or Jerusalem. Our data shows that private centers like Assuta offer significantly faster access to these specific specialists compared to the public system.
Patient Consensus: Patients note it is important to confirm a surgeon's specific volume of cases for your exact condition. They also value the ability to get expert second opinions quickly through online consultations with world-renowned professors.
Sheba Medical Center and Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) are among the best neurosurgery hospitals in Israel. These JCI-accredited facilities perform thousands of operations annually. They utilize advanced technologies like CyberKnife and intraoperative MRI to treat complex brain tumors and cerebrovascular lesions.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Our data shows that top Israeli centers like Sourasky and Hadassah perform over 40,000 total operations yearly. This high volume allows surgeons to maintain a 90% success rate even in complex oncology cases. Patients seeking robotic spine surgery or deep brain stimulation should focus on these high-capacity municipal centers for the most experienced teams.
Patient Consensus: Patients appreciate that some hospitals quickly coordinate consultations even during regional strikes. Families of pediatric patients especially value surgeons trained at prestigious international institutions.
Israel's leading neurosurgeons include Professor Zvi Ram, Professor Shlomi Constantini, and Professor Itzhak Fried at Sourasky Medical Center. These experts specialize in awake craniotomy, pediatric brain tumors, and functional mapping. Most hold JCI accreditation and international fellowships from institutions like Johns Hopkins and Yale.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data shows that top-tier Israeli neurosurgeons, such as those at Sourasky Medical Center, often hold dual board certifications in Israel and the US. This unique crossover ensures patients receive American-standard protocols. These specialists typically manage over 34,000 annual operations, providing high-volume clinical experience that smaller private clinics cannot match.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that highly qualified doctors like Professor Shlomo Constantini provide satisfactory answers quickly. People emphasize that outcomes often depend on the hospital’s integrated resources rather than just a doctor's prestige.
Israel is a global leader in neurosurgery, treating complex brain and spinal conditions using robotic-assisted and minimally invasive techniques. Highly specialized units at JCI-accredited centers like Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) and Hadassah Medical Center focus on neuro-oncology, pediatric neurosurgery, and functional procedures.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli neurosurgical departments often function as rapid-response hubs for international patients. Data shows that large centers like Sourasky, which serves 1,800,000 patients annually, can organize expert video consultations in a very short time. This speed is critical for neuro-oncology cases where starting treatment a few days earlier significantly impacts outcomes.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that Israeli teams often accept high-risk cases that other hospitals decline. They emphasize the importance of using local coordinators to manage travel logistics or potential local disruptions during their two-week stay.
International patients traveling to Israel for neurosurgery require a valid passport, an entry permit or medical visa, and a formal hospital invitation. You must provide recent MRI or CT scans in DICOM format and detailed medical summaries. Proof of private health insurance and financial stability are also mandatory for border entry.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Our data shows that top neurosurgeons at Hadassah Medical Center and Sourasky often request records 4–6 weeks before arrival. Submitting these early prevents appointment shifts. High-volume centers with over 30,000 annual operations have dedicated portals for secure DICOM file uploads. Using these ensures your surgeon reviews high-quality images before you land in Tel Aviv.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize bringing physical copies and digital backups of all scans on a USB drive. They also note that private insurance needs pre-authorization specifically for neurosurgery to avoid payment delays at the clinic.