Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov)
Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov)
Israel, Tel Aviv
Dvora Blumental
30 years of experience
Clinic is certified :
Brain cancer treatment cost in Israel typically involves diagnostic imaging like PET-CT, which costs $1,500, and specialized oncology consultations. Pricing and treatment strategies depend on tumor pathology, the need for advanced neurosurgery, and the clinic's facility tier. Patients can save approximately 30-50% compared to the United States. Leading medical hubs for neuro-oncology include Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Petah Tikva.
Typical Brain Cancer Treatment Costs in Israel
Bookimed Expert Insight: Complex neuro-oncology cases benefit from JCI-accredited centers like Sourasky Medical Center, which reports a 90% oncology success rate. For pediatric patients, the Schneider Center provides specialized care in Petah Tikva. Private options like Assuta Medical Center are best for patients seeking a specific surgeon. Those requiring multidisciplinary integration find value at Hadassah, which manages over 40,000 surgeries annually.
| Israel | Turkey | Austria | |
| Tomotherapy | ≈ $16,000 | from $6,700 | ≈ $9,500 |
| Stereotaxic radiosurgery | from $19,000 | from $6,400 | ≈ $9,500 |
| Resection of glioma | ≈ $38,000 | from $14,300 | ≈ $22,000 |
| Resection of glioblastoma | ≈ $38,000 | from $18,500 | ≈ $24,000 |
| Radiosurgery of a brain tumor | from $19,000 | from $5,000 | ≈ $9,500 |
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. 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.
900+ brain cancer treatments performed – Dr. Blumental leads the Neuro-oncology Service at Sourasky Medical Center.
Head of the Neurooncology Clinic at Ichilov (Sourasky Medical Center) – Dr. Bokstein leads a specialized team focused entirely on brain tumors.
Written by Veronika Kazina
Written by Veronika Kazina
Written by Veronika Kazina
Written by Veronika Kazina
Israel is a global hub for neuro-oncology, offering innovative treatments like Tumor Treating Fields (Optune), CAR-T cell therapy, and intraoperative MRI. Specialized centers utilize robotic-assisted surgery and DaRT therapy to target aggressive glioblastomas. These advancements provide high precision while preserving critical brain functions.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli medical centers like Sheba and Sourasky operate at a massive scale, treating up to 2 million patients annually. This high volume allows surgeons like Dr. Zvi Cohen to maintain a brain tumor tissue bank. This resource is vital for developing personalized vaccine protocols and pharmacological therapies tailored to a patient's specific genetic profile. Choosing a facility with an integrated tissue bank often leads to more precise treatment options.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that Israel offers faster access to experimental immunotherapy combinations than the US. Many emphasize that while costs are high, the ability to access portable device refinements and compassionate-use CAR-T programs is a significant advantage.
Israel hosts several global leaders in neuro-oncology, with Sheba Medical Center and Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) ranked among the worlds best. These JCI-accredited facilities offer advanced craniotomies and stereotactic radiosurgery. They feature specialized units led by world-renowned neurosurgeons like Prof. Zvi Ram.
Bookimed Expert Insight: A major differentiator at Sheba Medical Center is their specialized brain tumor tissue bank. This resource allows researchers to tailor pharmacological therapies to specific genetic markers. While surgery costs for tumor removal may reach approximately $35,000, these packages often include extensive post-operative monitoring and 10 days of hotel stay to ensure patient stability before travel.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that major centers like Sheba often offer proton therapy options with fewer side effects than comparable facilities. They also emphasize that private coordination can significantly reduce wait times for non-citizens seeking aggressive tumor resections.
An awake craniotomy is a neurosurgical procedure where patients remain conscious to interact with surgeons. This technique allows real-time brain mapping to remove tumors located near eloquent regions. It is performed in Israel to preserve essential functions like speech, vision, and motor control.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli neurosurgeons like Dr. Zvi Ram at Sourasky Medical Center utilize advanced intraoperative MRI and brain mapping for high-precision cases. Packages at Sheba Medical Center, priced around $35,000, include an extensive 7-day hospital stay. This long stay allows for essential post-operative neuro-checks to monitor brain swelling safely.
Patient Consensus: Patients note the awake phase usually lasts 1 to 2 hours with minimal physical pain. They emphasize that practicing tasks during pre-op simulation sessions significantly reduces anxiety during the actual procedure.
Patients should plan for a 17 to 24 day stay in Israel for surgical brain cancer treatment. This period includes 5 to 7 days of hospitalization and additional time for recovery. Follow-up reviews at centers like Sheba Medical Center ensure stability before international travel.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli medical centers like Sheba Medical Center and Sourasky Medical Center manage extremely high patient volumes. Sheba alone treats over 2 million patients annually. Our data shows that top-tier neurosurgeons like Dr. Zvi Cohen often utilize intensive 7-day hospital stays. This ensures immediate access to neuro-oncology teams. This setup helps catch any subtle post-operative changes early for better recovery.
Patient Consensus: Patients find the transition from hospital to local hotels smooth but emphasize staying close to the clinic. Many note that having an on-site nutritionist and nurse support helps manage the initial recovery phase.
Patients can obtain a remote second opinion from senior Israeli specialists before traveling. Major medical centers like Sourasky, Sheba, and Hadassah provide virtual consultations via video platforms. Expert neuro-oncologists review diagnostics like brain MRI or PET/CT scans to confirm treatment plans or suggest advanced surgical options.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data shows that choosing a second opinion from Sheba Medical Center often streamlines physical admission. Their comprehensive craniotomy packages, priced around $35,000, already include essential diagnostics like head MRI and histopathology revision. Starting with a remote consultation here helps ensure your local test results align with their surgical requirements before you fly.
Patient Consensus: Patients note it is important to have all digital scans ready in high resolution. They often mention that a virtual talk with an Israeli specialist provides immense peace of mind before such a major journey.
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.