Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov)
Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov)
Israel, Tel Aviv
Strauss Ido
27 years of experience
Clinic is certified :
| Israel | Turkey | Austria | |
| Gamma Knife | ≈ $14,000 | from $5,500 | ≈ $32,000 |
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.
As Head of the Neuro-Oncology Clinic at Sourasky Medical Center, Dr. Bokstein is an expert in the diagnosis and treatment of rare brain and spinal tumors.
Dr. Roth is a pediatric neurosurgeon who has specialized in endoscopic skull base and ventricular surgery at Cornell Medical Center. He is a member of multiple prestigious international neurosurgical societies.
Prof. Margalit Navo has performed 70+ successful meningioma surgeries and 100+ skull base tumor removals at Sourasky Medical Center.
Israeli neurosurgeons treat cavernoma using advanced microsurgical resection and non-invasive Gamma Knife radiosurgery. Specialized clinics utilize intraoperative MRI navigation and neuro-navigation to ensure precision. High-volume centers like Sourasky Medical Center and Assuta Medical Center provide comprehensive care for both adults and children.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While public institutions like Sourasky perform over 34,000 operations yearly, patients often choose private facilities like Assuta for specific technology access. Assuta performs over 92,000 operations annually and offers shorter wait times for Gamma Knife procedures. This high surgical volume is a key indicator of procedural safety across Israeli neurosurgical departments.
Patient Consensus: Patients note it's important to get an MRI with SWI sequences for accurate bleed history before surgery. Many recommend seeking a second opinion from surgeons like Dr. Margalit Navo who specialize in complex skull base cases.
Expert neurosurgeons in Israel confirm cavernoma bleeding and treatment necessity through high-field 3-Tesla MRI and detailed localized symptom mapping. Doctors use susceptibility-weighted imaging to detect hemosiderin rings. They follow the two-bleed rule for deep-seated lesions to balance surgical risk against neurological safety.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli neurosurgery departments prioritize 3-Tesla MRI over standard scans because they reveal popcorn-shaped hemosiderin deposits. These deposits are the only definitive markers of past bleeding. Data from centers like Sourasky Medical Center show that intraoperative MRI technology is standard for complex cases. This allows surgeons to verify the removal of blood-stained margins in real-time, reducing the risk of seizure recurrence.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize that standard MRI scans often miss micro-bleeds. Many recommend requesting susceptibility-weighted imaging specifically to ensure a correct diagnosis when symptoms first appear.
Israeli specialists locate cavernomas with millimeter precision using advanced neuro-navigation and 3D imaging systems. Medical centers achieve diagnostic accuracy up to 99% for these pathologies. Surgeons map lesions relative to eloquent brain areas to ensure maximum safety during complex neurosurgical procedures.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli neurosurgery departments like Sourasky Medical Center integrate intraoperative MRI with image-guided resection. This is vital because brain tissue shifts once the skull is opened. Real-time imaging ensures the 99% diagnostic accuracy translates into surgical precision, even if the cavernoma moves slightly during the procedure.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that combining fMRI with tractography helps them feel more confident about surgery near language centers. Many emphasize that intraoperative mapping confirmed their lesion was safer to remove than initial scans suggested.
Recognized neurosurgical experts for cavernoma care in Israel include Prof. Margalit Navo, Prof. Zvi Cohen, and Dr. Roth Jonathan. These specialists operate at JCI-accredited institutions like Sourasky Medical Center and Sheba Medical Center. They employ advanced techniques such as Gamma Knife and microsurgery for vascular pathologies.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Sourasky Medical Center stands out for its sheer scale, performing 34,000 operations annually. While Sheba is known for clinical research, Sourasky holds a 90% success rate for complex oncology and vascular cases. This high volume often translates to more consistent outcomes for rare vascular malformations like cavernomas.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize the need for strong neuroradiology support alongside a surgeon. Many seek multiple consultations because surgical plans for cavernomas can vary significantly between different specialists.
Patients treating cavernomas in Israel can expect high success rates. Superficial cavernomas show over 90% favorable long-term outcomes through microsurgery. Specialists often achieve 85% seizure-free results after five years. Advanced techniques like Gamma Knife radiosurgery successfully prevent rebleeding in approximately 70% to 85% of cases.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data shows Israeli centers like Sourasky Medical Center manage massive patient volumes with over 34,000 annual operations. This high frequency creates a significant expertise gap. For example, Dr. Margalit Navo has performed over 100 skull base procedures. This volume-based mastery is why these centers report a 90% average success rate in complex neurological treatments.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize getting multiple neurosurgeon opinions on resectability for lesions in eloquent areas. Many note that while surgery offers a permanent cure, post-operative rehabilitation is vital for managing subtle memory or sensory issues.
Screening and genetic testing are recommended if a relative has multiple lesions or a known hereditary mutation. Hereditary cerebral cavernous malformations (CCM) account for 10% to 20% of cases. Israeli neurosurgeons typically initiate screening with a brain MRI for all first-degree biological relatives.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data suggests specialized clinics in Israel like Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) or Sheba Medical Center are preferred for these cases. These centers house dedicated brain tumor banks and neuro-oncology units led by experts like Dr. Zvi Cohen. While sporadic cases rarely need genetics, these clinics frequently find multiple lesions in relatives that would be missed without high-resolution intraoperative MRI or specialized digital imaging. Starting with a consultation with a head neurosurgeon, like Professor Margalit Navo, ensures the screening is medically justified and focused on high-risk family members.
Patient Consensus: Patients note it's important to document mutations clearly to simplify their relatives' future care. Many emphasize starting with non-invasive imaging like an MRI to find asymptomatic spots before proceeding to genetic tests.
Awake craniotomy is chosen when lesions like cavernomas reside in eloquent brain regions. These areas control movement, speech, or vision. Keeping patients conscious allows real-time functional mapping. This technique minimizes the risk of permanent neurological deficits. It is the gold standard for high-precision resection.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli neurosurgical centers like Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) leverage massive surgical volumes—performing over 34,000 operations annually—to refine awake protocols. Experienced surgeons like Dr. Zvi Cohen at Sheba integrate intraoperative MRI with awake mapping. This dual-monitoring approach is a conclusion drawn from their high success in complex neuro-oncology. Choosing a center with specialized brain tumor banks often indicates more advanced intraoperative research and safer outcomes.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that the experience feels similar to dental work with local anesthesia rather than major surgery. Many emphasize that confirming if a lesion is in an eloquent area during the first consultation is vital.
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.