Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov)
Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov)
Israel, Tel Aviv
Orit Gutfeld
27 years of experience
Clinic is certified :
| Israel | Turkey | Austria | |
| Halcyon | ≈ $14,000 | ≈ $9,500 | ≈ $11,500 |
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. Orit Gutfeld is an oncologist specializing in ENT cancers, with over 27 years of clinical experience.
Professor Dan Fliss is an experienced oncologist specializing in nasopharyngeal cancer at Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov).
Dr. Raanan Berger is the Director of the Cancer Center at Sheba Medical Center. He was listed in Forbes Israel’s “Best Doctors” in 2025. Dr. Berger specializes in genitourinary oncology and radiates complex prostate tumors. He completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Institute.
Modern Israeli oncology centers report survival rates exceeding 80% for nonmetastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Pediatric cases show high resilience with approximately 88% long-term survival. Success relies on advanced diagnostic protocols. These include PET-CT imaging and Epstein-Barr virus DNA monitoring to track disease progression.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data from major Israeli hubs like Sheba and Sourasky shows a shift toward high-volume specialized care. Sheba serves over 2 million patients annually. This massive volume allows surgeons to maintain peak proficiency. We see clinics like Sourasky employing over 2,200 doctors. This depth of expertise often correlates with their reported 90% oncology success rate.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize the need for regular PSMA PET scans to detect issues standard imaging might miss. Many note that early detection of stage 1 symptoms significantly improves long-term outlooks.
Standard nasopharyngeal cancer treatment in Israel utilizes Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) or Volumetric-Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT). Clinicians typically deliver 45 to 70 Gray (Gy). Standard fractionation involves daily 1.8 to 2 Gy doses over five to eight weeks. These methods optimize tumor destruction while shielding healthy tissue.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israel's research centers like Sheba Medical Center often utilize Simultaneous-Integrated Boost (SIB). This technique delivers different dose levels to various tumor areas in one session. Our data shows this may shorten total treatment time compared to historical protocols. High-volume centers like Sourasky, serving over 400,000 patients, use these refinements to maintain a 90% oncology success rate.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize the value of early swallowing assessments and proactive salivary stimulators. Many recommend asking for a mid-treatment adaptive plan to handle physical changes like weight loss during the grueling therapy schedule.
Israeli oncologists use evidence-based regimens following National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines. They prescribe cisplatin-based concurrent chemoradiotherapy alongside intensity-modulated radiation therapy. High-risk cases often receive gemcitabine or docetaxel during induction. Immunotherapy trials investigate PD-1 inhibitors for advanced stages within these leading medical centers.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli oncology centers like Sourasky Medical Center and Hadassah Hospital show a pattern of high-volume specialty. These clinics manage over 15,000 to 20,000 oncology patients annually. This volume allows multidisciplinary teams to refine dosing for non-keratinizing NPC subtypes common in the region. Their research-driven approach often provides earlier access to immunotherapy agents compared to standard regional clinics.
Patient Consensus: Patients often highlight the importance of the multidisciplinary team approach in Israel. They note that having radiation and medical oncologists coordinate closely helps manage side effects better.
Israel ensures accurate TNM staging through high-definition diagnostic imaging and multidisciplinary pathology reviews. Clinics use PET/CT scans and sinus CTs to detect microscopic spread. Specialists follow international AJCC protocols to classify tumor size, lymph node involvement, and metastasis before designing personalized treatment plans.
Bookimed Expert Insight: A major advantage in Israel is the density of top-ranked experts. Sheba Medical Center features over 200 Forbes-listed doctors. This concentration of expertise allows for secondary pathology reviews that frequently refine the initial stage. At Sourasky Medical Center, clinicians report a 90% average success rate in oncology partly due to these precise diagnostic standards.
Patient Consensus: Patients note the speed of Israeli diagnostics is impressive. Many report completing the entire staging workup within 4 days at private centers. They also value the thorough explanations provided by specialists like Dr. Orit Gutfeld during the initial planning phase.
Intensity-modulated proton therapy (IMPT) is an advanced alternative to photon-based IMRT for treating nasopharyngeal cancer in Israel. Specialists choose IMPT to spare critical organs like the brainstem and optic nerves from exit doses. This precision significantly reduces side effects like dry mouth and swallowing difficulties.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While IMRT is widely accessible, Israel's leading centers like Sheba Medical Center integrate AI and digital imaging to enhance treatment planning. Data shows that for nasopharyngeal cases, selecting a facility with multidisciplinary support is vital. For example, Dr. Raanan Berger at Sheba combines radiotherapy with molecular research to personalize care. Patients should prioritize clinics with Forbes-ranked specialists, as expertise in complex anatomy often outweighs the specific technology type for long-term survival.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize the importance of requesting side-by-side dosimetry plans to compare radiation doses to healthy organs. Many note that choosing advanced therapy significantly lowered their need for feeding tubes and reduced hearing loss.
International patients typically stay in Israel for 6 to 12 weeks during nasopharyngeal chemoradiation. This period covers daily radiotherapy and concurrent chemotherapy cycles. Specialists like Dr. Orit Gutfeld at Sourasky Medical Center oversee these regimens, which usually include a post-treatment recovery window of 1 to 4 weeks.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Patient volume data highlights why Israel is a preferred destination, with Sheba Medical Center alone serving 2,000,000 patients annually. Large multidisciplinary centers are better equipped to handle the coordination between oncology and ENT departments. For example, Dr. Dan Fliss at Sourasky holds titles in both fields. This dual expertise is crucial for managing the complex side effects specific to nasopharyngeal treatment during long-term stays.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that severe mouth sores often require staying 2 extra weeks beyond the initial plan. Many experts recommend booking flexible housing near the clinic and arranging telemedicine for early follow-ups to avoid frequent travel.
Leading Israeli hospitals for nasopharyngeal cancer include Sheba Medical Center, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, and Hadassah Medical Center. These centers use multidisciplinary tumor boards to coordinate complex care. Teams combine radiation oncology, ENT surgery, and medical oncology to create personalized protocols for every patient.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While most major Israeli centers provide comprehensive care, the volume differences are a key quality signal. Sheba Medical Center treats over 2 million patients annually and is ranked 7th worldwide by Newsweek. This massive volume allows their multidisciplinary boards to see rare nasopharyngeal cases more frequently than smaller private facilities. If your case involves complex skull base involvement, prioritize centers like Sheba or Sourasky. Their teams include neurosurgeons specifically for these advanced surgical boundaries.
Patient Consensus: Patients note it is important to verify which specialists will sit on your specific tumor board. They value how these meetings act as a second set of eyes to prevent diagnostic errors.
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.