Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov)
Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov)
Israel, Tel Aviv
Yossefovitz Ofer
32 years of experience
Clinic is certified :
Surgery costs in Israel typically average between $14,000 and $35,900. The final price depends on the procedure's complexity, hospital stay duration, and whether the patient is a resident or medical tourist. International patients can save up to 75% compared to US prices, with packages often covering surgery, anesthesia, and follow-up care.
Typical Surgery Costs in Israel
Leading surgical centers in Israel are located in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Haifa. Costs may vary between cities, so consulting with a specialist is recommended to get an accurate price based on your specific health needs and procedure requirements.
| Israel | Turkey | Austria | |
| Wide excision of melanoma | from $7,000 | from $4,400 | ≈ $2,600 |
| Whipple surgery | from $38,200 | from $16,000 | ≈ $45,000 |
| Umbilical hernia repair | ≈ $4,200 | from $3,700 | ≈ $3,500 |
| Transurethral resection of the bladder | ≈ $6,500 | from $6,200 | ≈ $4,800 |
| Stomach resection | ≈ $17,000 | from $3,100 | ≈ $22,000 |
No hidden fees – just official clinic prices. Pay at the clinic for Surgery treatment upon arrival and use a flexible installment plan if needed.
Bookimed is committed to your safety. We only work with medical institutions that maintain high international standards in Surgery treatment and have the necessary licenses to serve international patients worldwide.
Bookimed offers free expert assistance. A personal medical coordinator supports you before, during, and after your treatment, solving any issues. You're never alone on your Surgery treatment journey.
Prof. Ofer Yossefovitz is a leading expert in robotic and laparoscopic urological surgery at Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov).
Dr. Alon Friedlander is a leading orthopedic spine surgeon listed among Israel’s Top Doctors by Forbes. He serves as the Director of the Orthopedic Department at Sheba Medical Center. Dr. Friedlander treats complex spinal disorders in both adult and pediatric patients. He uses both minimally invasive and open surgical techniques for precision care.
Prof. Ido Nachmany heads the Second Surgical Department at Sheba Medical Center in Israel. He was recognized by Forbes as one of the country's top physicians. Prof. Nachmany specializes in robotic surgery for the liver, pancreas, and bile ducts. He focuses on treating gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors using minimally invasive techniques.
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.
Written by Veronika Kazina
Israel is a premier surgical destination due to high Western medical standards and advanced innovation. Facilities like Sourasky Medical Center and Hadassah Medical Center hold JCI accreditation. Expert surgeons often train in the US or Europe. They utilize robotic systems and AI-assisted diagnostics to ensure high success rates.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Our data shows that Israel's surgical landscape is defined by massive scale and specialization. While Assuta performs 92,000 operations annually, Sourasky handles 34,000 with a focus on multidisciplinary research. Patients seeking complex oncology or neurosurgery benefit from this high-volume environment. It ensures surgeons maintain peak technical proficiency through constant practice.
Patient Consensus: Patients value the world-class expertise and the warm, home-like hospitality. Many note that English-speaking doctors make the experience much smoother and more comfortable.
Major Israeli hospitals hold prestigious international accreditations that align with global safety standards. Leading facilities like Sourasky Medical Center and Assuta Medical Center are Joint Commission International (JCI) accredited. This certification evaluates over 1,300 quality parameters. It ensures high-level surgical safety and infection control.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data shows a clear trend where JCI-accredited centers in Tel Aviv, like Sourasky, manage the highest surgical volumes. Sourasky performs 34,000 operations annually with a 90% oncology success rate. These high-volume centers often integrate advanced da Vinci robotic systems. This combination of international accreditation and high procedure frequency typically results in more predictable patient outcomes.
Patient Consensus: Patients often note that the medical expertise in accredited Israeli hospitals feels comparable to elite US facilities. Travelers frequently mention that seeing the JCI seal provides significant peace of mind during complex surgical journeys.
International patients in Israel are protected by the Patient Rights Law, which mandates informed consent and medical confidentiality. Facilities like Sourasky Medical Center and Assuta Medical Center maintain JCI accreditation, ensuring adherence to global safety benchmarks. Legal recourse typically requires local representation for malpractice claims.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data shows that choosing JCI-accredited private centers like Assuta Medical Center provides a practical layer of protection. These clinics allow patients to select their specific surgeon and room type. This transparency in the booking process often minimizes the administrative disputes common in larger public systems.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that having a notarized English contract is vital for clarity. While hospital hospitality is often world-class, many emphasize the importance of private insurance to cover potential complications or medical evacuation.
You do not need to speak Hebrew to receive surgery in Israel. Major medical centers like Sourasky Medical Center and Hadassah Medical Center maintain dedicated international departments. Staff often speak English and Russian. Bookimed handles all clinic communication and scheduling to ensure clear understanding throughout your treatment.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While surgeons at top centers like Sourasky or Assuta are fluent in English, recovery room staff sometimes have limited proficiency. Choosing a clinic with 100+ reviews often signals a more robust international infrastructure. These facilities usually provide dedicated coordinators who bridge the gap between patients and nursing staff during the critical first 24 hours post-surgery.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that while doctors communicate well, Hebrew-only labels at local pharmacies can be confusing. They suggest having a coordinator or local friend assist with medication pickups and translated appointment reminders to avoid any stress during recovery.
Medical tourists primarily choose Israel for high-stakes surgical specializations like oncology, neurosurgery, and complex robotic procedures. Facilities like Sourasky Medical Center and Hadassah Medical Center attract thousands of international patients annually. These patients seek advanced treatments often unavailable or expensive in their home countries.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While many countries compete on price for cosmetic surgery, Israel dominates in surgical volume for complex, life-saving cases. Large centers like Hadassah and Assaf Harofeh perform over 23,000 to 40,000 surgeries annually. This high volume allows surgeons to maintain rare expertise in specialized fields like pediatric oncohematology.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that Tel Aviv clinics provide natural results for cosmetic work at lower costs than the US. Many travelers are impressed by the world-class expertise and hospitality that makes them feel at home.
For surgery in Israel, you must bring a passport and comprehensive medical records in English or Hebrew. Essential documents include recent blood work, ECG results, and imaging reports like MRI or CT scans. You also need a signed doctor summary and a complete list of current medications.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Our data shows that top Israeli facilities like Sourasky Medical Center and Assuta prioritize record consistency. If your MRI or CT scans are older than 6 months, surgeons often require new diagnostics on-site to ensure surgical precision. Bringing digital DICOM files on a USB rather than just printed reports can prevent immediate rescheduling.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize the importance of having every document translated before arrival to keep schedules on track. One patient noted that having a summary letter from their local doctor helped the Israeli team understand their history much faster.
Follow-up care after surgery in Israel involves a structured discharge plan and remote monitoring. Hospitals provide detailed wound care instructions and medication schedules. Recovery begins with immediate check-ins while you are still in-country. Post-return care continues via telemedicine and video consultations with your surgical team.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Our data shows that top-rated clinics like Sourasky Medical Center and Assuta utilize advanced EHRs and telemedicine to bridge the gap for international patients. A useful pattern we see: patients who share high-resolution photos of their surgical site via WhatsApp in the first week often resolve minor concerns faster without needing unscheduled local GP visits.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize the importance of having a supportive local doctor ready before traveling. They note that while Israeli teams provide excellent virtual support, having local help for lab work or physical exams is essential for a smooth recovery.
Israel is a premier surgical destination combining JCI-accredited safety with rapid access to treatment. Facilities like Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) perform 34,000+ operations annually. Patients benefit from robotic-assisted techniques and surgeons with 20+ years of experience. Most procedures cost 30% to 80% less than in Western countries.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli private centers like Assuta allow patients to personally select their operating surgeon and room type. This level of customization is rare in large public hospitals. Data shows that choosing Jerusalem or Haifa clinics can further reduce accommodation costs compared to Tel Aviv.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that medical teams speak fluent English, making the process feel like a top US hospital. Many emphasize that they were walking within days of major robotic surgery.
Surgeons in Israel are highly qualified, with many holding dual certifications from Israeli and American or European boards. Leading specialists at JCI-accredited centers like Sourasky Medical Center often train at top-tier institutions like MD Anderson Cancer Center or Memorial Sloan Kettering.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli surgical expertise is often concentrated in multidisciplinary hubs like Sourasky Medical Center, which treats 400,000+ patients annually. Our data shows that top-rated surgeons there, such as Dr. Zvi Ram, often lead international medical societies. This level of peer-recognized leadership ensures patients receive treatments based on the latest global research and protocols.
Patient Consensus: Patients often describe the surgical expertise as world-class and appreciate the soft, reassuring conversations with the medical teams. Many note that the high-stakes environment in Israel fosters a unique level of precision and dedication in their surgeons.
Traveling to Israel for surgery currently requires extreme caution due to active security risks and potential flight disruptions. While facilities like Sourasky Medical Center maintain JCI accreditation and offer advanced robotic surgery, international advisories frequently recommend reconsidering travel because of regional conflict and unpredictable missile risks.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data suggests that 4.5-rated clinics like Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) serve over 400,000 patients annually despite regional tensions. Patients often choose these centers because they offer unique treatments not found elsewhere. We recommend selecting clinics in Tel Aviv or Haifa that have coordinated thousands of international cases to ensure established safety protocols are in place.
Patient Consensus: Patients describe the medical expertise as world-class but note that recovery can be stressful during sirens. Recent travelers emphasize the importance of having flexible flight tickets and using real-time alert apps during their stay.
Israel is a global leader in high-tech surgery, performing over 90,000 annual operations at Assuta Medical Center alone. Popular procedures include oncological tumor removals, robotic prostatectomies, and complex cardiac surgeries. JCI-accredited facilities offer advanced laparoscopic techniques for hernia repairs and bariatric treatments to international patients.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While many seek Israel for oncology, the real advantage lies in multidisciplinary surgical volume. Sourasky Medical Center performs 34,000+ operations annually across 240 departments. This massive scale allows surgeons to specialize in ultra-niche procedures like neuroendoscopy, which smaller international centers rarely offer.
Patient Consensus: Patients often mention that surgeons can fix breathing issues and reshape the nose in one session. Many also note the efficiency of same-day dental implants and the high level of personal attention in private hospitals.
Patients receiving surgery in Israel can access structured follow-up care remotely after returning home. Israeli hospitals provide digital monitoring and virtual consultations to ensure safe recovery. Typical timelines include weekly virtual check-ins initially. These sessions often continue for 6 to 12 months post-op.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli surgical centers like Assuta and Sourasky prioritize long-term results by offering extended 24/7 digital access to the surgical team. Data shows that clinics in Tel Aviv often maintain contact for up to 12 months. This high-volume experience helps catch potential issues early through remote video assessments.
Patient Consensus: Patients value receiving detailed handover letters for their local doctors. They also note that having direct WhatsApp access to their surgeon provides peace of mind during the initial weeks at home.
Patients can choose their own surgeon in Israel, especially when opting for private medical centers like Assuta or Herzliya Medical Center. Private facilities specifically advertise the ability for patients to select their attending physician. In public hospitals, choice often depends on surgeon availability or specific referrals.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data from 92,000 annual operations at Assuta shows that private hospitals prioritize patient choice as a core service. While public centers like Sourasky serve 1.8 million visits, selecting a specific expert there often requires navigating academic waitlists. For the fastest access to named professors, private facilities in Tel Aviv are the most reliable option.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that while famous surgeons have longer wait times, they feel more in control when paying privately. Many emphasize that requesting a specific doctor by name during the initial inquiry is the most effective way to secure their preferred specialist.
Plan for a 7–14 day stay for surgery in Israel to ensure clinical safety. Most procedures require 2–3 days of hospitalization followed by 4–7 days of local monitoring. Israeli surgeons strictly mandate a 48–72 hour post-operative follow-up before approving international travel to prevent complications.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data from Sourasky Medical Center shows they perform 34,000+ operations annually. High surgical volumes often lead to standardized recovery protocols. Patients should schedule arrivals on Sundays or Mondays. This timing avoids the weekend slowdown, ensuring all diagnostic tests and surgeries happen within 72 hours.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize staying at least 10 days to avoid post-flight swelling or blood clots. They note that Israeli airport security takes longer when carrying post-surgical supplies and medications.
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.