Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov)
Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov)
Israel, Tel Aviv
Pelles Sharon
23 years of experience
Clinic is certified :
From $1,500. Total expenses depend on the cancer stage and hospital choice. Patients often see 20-40% savings compared to the US. Leading treatment centers are located in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Haifa.
Typical Colon Cancer Treatment Costs in Israel
Bookimed Expert Insight: Early-stage patients should prioritize centers like Sourasky Medical Center for high success rates. Their surgical team, led by experts like Dr. Hagit Tulchinsky, specializes in laparoscopic resections. For advanced cases, Hadassah Medical Center offers multidisciplinary expertise in HIPEC and robotic surgery. Private options like Assuta allow patients to select specific senior surgeons for personalized care. These JCI-accredited facilities maintain specialized units for colorectal oncology and preventive genetics.
| Israel | Turkey | Austria | |
| Tomotherapy | ≈ $16,000 | from $6,700 | ≈ $9,500 |
| Resection of large intestine | from $20,000 | from $14,000 | ≈ $17,500 |
| Radiation therapy for bowel cancer | ≈ $16,000 | ≈ $5,800 | from $6,800 |
| NanoKnife | from $30,000 | ≈ $9,500 | ≈ $25,000 |
| Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) | from $60,000 | from $18,000 | ≈ $24,000 |
Dr. Pelles Sharon trained at Royal Marsden – Europe's top cancer center – specializing in gastrointestinal cancers. She directs the Digestive System Tumor Institute at Ichilov.
Prof. Ofer Merimsky leads the Soft Tissue and Bone Oncology Unit at Sourasky Medical Center – one of Israel's top cancer hospitals.
Prof. Nadir Arber leads one of Israel's few dedicated Cancer Prevention Centers, focusing exclusively on stopping cancer before it starts.
Dr. Arnon Nagler is a hematologist at Sheba Medical Center in Israel. He is a professor at Tel Aviv University and a renowned transplant expert. Dr. Nagler founded Israel’s first public cord blood bank. He also performed the first cord blood transplantations in the country. He completed postdoctoral training at Stanford University and is board-certified in hematology.
Written by Veronika Kazina
Written by Veronika Kazina
Israel offers advanced colon cancer treatments including Da Vinci robotic surgery, NanoKnife (IRE), and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC). Major JCI-accredited centers like Sourasky and Sheba provide personalized immunotherapy and genomic profiling. These protocols target specific mutations like BRAF V600E to improve outcomes.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While many countries offer HIPEC, Israeli centers like Sheba and Sourasky operate at massive scales. Sheba alone treats 2 million patients yearly. Dr. Almog Ben Yaacov has performed over 200 HIPEC procedures since 2018. This high volume often leads to more refined surgical techniques and better post-operative management.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that Israeli oncology centers provide very fast diagnostic scheduling. Some highlight that genomic testing allowed them to access specific immunotherapies like Keytruda that were unavailable elsewhere. Relatives often appreciate the professional and caring nature of specialists like Dr. David at Sourasky.
Israel maintains some of the world's highest colon cancer survival rates, ranking 2nd for men and 4th for women among OECD nations. The 5-year survival rate for localized cases reaches 90%. Early detection through national screening programs catches 30% of cases in early stages.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli oncology centers like Sheba and Sourasky prioritize volume-based expertise to drive results. Dr. Almog Ben Yaacov at Sheba has performed 200+ HIPEC procedures alone. This high specialization in complex treatments like CRS plus HIPEC, which may cost around $52,300 to $68,000, explains why the country consistently outperforms global survival averages.
Patient Consensus: Patients describe the treatment process as fast and well-organized. They emphasize that while costs can be high, the accuracy of robotic surgery and personalized genetic testing provides significant peace of mind.
Israel hosts several world-class hospitals for colon cancer treatment, including Sourasky Medical Center, Sheba Medical Center, and Hadassah. These institutions are recognized for high surgical success rates and advanced technologies. Many facilities hold JCI accreditation and utilize robotic systems for complex resections.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli oncology centers like Sourasky and Sheba are distinct because they integrate early-stage diagnostics with immediate surgical readiness. For instance, the Integrated Cancer Prevention Center at Sourasky can screen for multiple cancers within 1 day. High patient volumes, like Sheba serving 2 million people yearly, ensure specialists maintain peak surgical proficiency. Some HIPEC packages already include 14 hotel nights, which provides a safer recovery window before flying home.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that Israeli teams often catch genetic mutations missed elsewhere. They emphasize the fast scheduling and the value of advanced genomic profiling but warn to prepare funds for high-quality private care.
International patients for colon cancer in Israel typically spend 3 to 8 days in the hospital. The total stay in the country ranges from 6 to 26 days. This timeframe allows for essential follow-up tests and stability monitoring before domestic or international travel.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While hospital stays are short, the gap between discharge and flying is vital. For example, some advanced packages at Sheba Medical Center include a 14-day hotel stay after 8 days in the hospital. This 22-day total period ensures patients are fully stable for long-haul flights after major abdominal surgery.
Patient Consensus: Patients note sticking to a 3-week stay is safer than rushing home early. Many highlight that they were walking by day 1 after robotic surgery but still needed 10 days of local recovery for comfort.
International patients can access clinical trials for colon cancer in Israel at premier institutions like Sheba Medical Center and Sourasky Medical Center. These facilities offer specialized departments to coordinate research participation for overseas applicants. Many studies provide early access to innovative immunotherapies and targeted biological drugs.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data shows Sheba Medical Center and Sourasky Medical Center serve over 2 million and 400,000 patients annually. This high volume drives extensive phase I-III trials. Dr. Irina Stepfansky at Sourasky specifically leads multiple clinical investigations. Patients should note that while experimental drugs are often free, HIPEC or robotic surgery packages range from $52,300 to $68,000. These surgical options serve as essential backups if trial eligibility is not met.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that while private treatments are readily available, joining a trial requires navigating complex Hebrew bureaucracy. Many recommend confirming eligibility for specific international pharma-sponsored studies before arranging travel to avoid logistical delays.
Candidacy for laparoscopic or robotic colon resection in Israel depends on tumor stage, location, and your general health. Most patients with Stage I–III colon cancer are eligible for these minimally invasive techniques. Key factors include an ASA score of III or below and a BMI typically under 35.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli oncology centers like Sheba and Sourasky operate at massive scales, treating up to 2 million patients annually. This high volume allows surgeons like Dr. Almog Ben Yaacov to perform over 200 complex procedures like HIPEC since 2018. Patients should look for these tertiary centers where robotic platforms and HIPEC are frequently combined for advanced colorectal cases.
Patient Consensus: patients note that the surgical process in Israel is very quick and well-organized. Those undergoing robotic procedures often emphasize the benefit of shorter hospital stays, sometimes as brief as 3 days.
Standard follow-up in Israel involves a five-year surveillance program. Patients attend clinical exams and CEA blood tests every 3 months for the first 2 years. CT scans are performed every 6 months during the first 3 years. A colonoscopy is required 1 year after surgery.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli oncology centers like Sheba and Sourasky often integrate PET-CT scans into routine surveillance more frequently than international guidelines suggest. Data shows Sheba Medical Center packages even bundle PET-CT and MRI into the initial post-operative diagnostic phase. This aggressive imaging approach aims for the earliest possible detection of recurrence in its most treatable stage.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that health fund apps make tracking CEA results and scheduling virtual check-ins simple after the first 6 months. Many emphasize that follow-up access is surprisingly fast, often allowing for same-week appointments if new symptoms arise.
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.