Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov)
Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov)
Israel, Tel Aviv
Gideon Uretzky
44 years of experience
Clinic is certified :
| Israel | Turkey | Austria | |
| Aortic aneurysm surgery | ≈ $38,000 | from $13,000 | ≈ $38,000 |
Dr. Basheer Sheick-Yousif specializes in comprehensive women's healthcare at Sourasky Medical Center.
The doctor is a leading cardiac surgeon at Sourasky Medical Center, specializing in minimally invasive cardiac surgery and cardiac rehabilitation. As a professor at Tel Aviv University, the doctor contributes to academic advancements in the field. With a prominent role at Ichilov Hospital, the doctor is recognized for expertise in cardiac procedures and patient recovery techniques.
Dr. Alexander Kantarovsky is the National Representative of Israel in the Association of International Vascular Surgeons. He serves as an expert in vascular surgery at Assuta Medical Center in Tel Aviv. Dr. Kantarovsky specializes in treating varicose veins and endovascular diseases using ClariVein and radiofrequency methods. He developed unique techniques for minimally invasive venous treatments.
Dr. Jose Cohen is a neurosurgeon at Hadassah Medical Center in Jerusalem. He specializes in treating brain tumors, cerebral artery aneurysms, and arteriovenous malformations. Dr. Cohen performs complex procedures including brain tumor removal and brain aneurysm repair. He works at a university hospital ranked among the world’s best by Newsweek.
Israeli specialists recommend surgery for abdominal aortic aneurysms when they reach 5.5 cm for men. The threshold for women is 5.0 cm. Doctors also advise repair if the diameter grows faster than 0.5 cm within one year. These standards align with international vascular surgical protocols.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli medical centers demonstrate massive scale with Sourasky Medical Center performing 34,000 operations yearly. Assuta Medical Center handles over 92,000 surgeries. This high patient volume suggests that surgeons maintain sharp skills. They handle both standard repairs and complex emergency cases regularly. Choosing these high-volume centers helps ensure your surgeon has deep practical experience with your specific aneurysm size.
Patient Consensus: Patients mention it is important to bring recent CT scans for a clear comparison. They appreciate how doctors explain the precise risks of waiting versus proceeding with the repair.
Advanced preoperative diagnostics in Israel feature high-resolution imaging and comprehensive cardiovascular profiling to ensure surgical safety. JCI-accredited centers use multislice CT and MRI to create 3D vascular maps. This allows surgeons to precisely measure aneurysm size and branch vessel involvement before planning repairs.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli specialists often require repeating local scans even if patients bring previous results. Sourasky Medical Center and Assuta prioritize their own digital imaging for 3D reconstruction. This ensures the 1,500+ beds and high surgical volumes maintain safety across complex vascular cases.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that Israeli doctors emphasize extremely high-quality imaging like CTA and MRA. Many suggest being prepared for additional scans to confirm exact aneurysm dimensions before surgery.
Israel offers advanced minimally invasive treatments for aortic aneurysms including Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm Repair (EVAR). JCI-accredited centers in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem utilize catheter-based techniques to reinforce weakened arteries. These procedures reduce recovery time to 2–3 days compared to traditional open surgery protocols.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli medical centers demonstrate a high level of surgical volume with Hadassah and Sourasky performing over 70,000 combined operations annually. This high frequency often leads to better mastery of complex vascular anatomy and customized stent placement. Patients seeking faster access should look at Assuta Medical Center. It is the largest private clinic in Israel and provides rapid scheduling for elective procedures.
Patient Consensus: Patients note it is important to have imaging reviewed by multiple centers to confirm if a minimally invasive approach is possible. Those with complex cases emphasize choosing surgeons who focus specifically on vascular repair rather than general surgery.
Damage to the aortic valve alongside an aneurysm significantly changes the surgical strategy. Most surgeons transition from isolated repair to complex procedures like the Bentall operation. This combined approach replaces both the ascending aorta and the faulty valve with a composite graft.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli medical centers like Sourasky or Hadassah handle massive patient volumes, with some performing over 34,000 to 40,000 operations annually. This high frequency is critical for complex cases where an aneurysm and valve damage coexist. Surgeons at these JCI-accredited hubs are more likely to offer valve-sparing techniques, which avoids lifelong blood thinner use for many patients.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that valve involvement often moves the surgery date forward, as damage can accelerate aneurysm growth. Many suggest discussing the pros of biological versus mechanical valves early to align with your lifestyle needs.
Recovery depends on the surgical method. Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) typically allows discharge within 1 to 3 days. Open surgical repair requires 5 to 10 days of hospitalization. Patients generally regain full activity levels within 3 to 6 months in JCI-accredited Israeli facilities.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli hospitals like Sourasky Medical Center perform over 34,000 operations annually. Data shows that bowel slowdown often delays discharge more than surgical pain. Walking early is essential. This clinical practice significantly reduces the risk of post-surgical fatigue and pulmonary complications.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that mental exhaustion and brain fog often last longer than physical pain. Many suggest having help at home for 4 to 6 weeks while energy levels slowly return.
Emergency medical signs after aortic aneurysm surgery include sudden chest or back pain, high fever over 101°F, and shortness of breath. Rapidly expanding abdominal pulses or leg swelling also require immediate intervention. These symptoms may indicate graft leaks, infections, or blood clots in Israeli cardiac centers.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli hospitals like Sourasky and Assuta perform over 30,000 operations annually with high success. Data shows that monitoring abdominal girth and taking daily incision photos helps detect internal issues early. This practice is vital since many packages include extensive follow-up diagnostics like ECGs and cardiovascular screenings.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that worsening back pain is the primary red flag after repair. Many emphasize reporting any calf swelling immediately to prevent serious clotting complications.
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.