Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov)
Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov)
Israel, Tel Aviv
Pelles Sharon
23 years of experience
Clinic is certified :
Colon cancer treatment cost in Israel typically involves diagnostics like a PET/CT scan which runs $1,300 to $1,800, with primary surgical options such as a colectomy ranging from $20,500 to $33,500 or robotic surgery using the Da Vinci Robotic System costing $22,500 to $35,000. 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 | |
| NanoKnife | from $18,500 | from $9,500 | from $25,000 |
| Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) | from $61,200 | from $22,500 | from $40,000 |
| Gastric polyps removal | from $2,200 | from $990 | from $5,000 |
| Da Vinci Robotic System | from $22,500 | from $9,500 | from $22,000 |
| CyberKnife | from $17,500 | from $4,750 | from $50,000 |
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 an internationally recognized hematologist and bone marrow transplant expert. He is a Professor of Medicine at Tel Aviv University. He is Director Emeritus of Hematology & Bone Marrow Transplantation and the Cord Blood Bank at Sheba Medical Center. He earned his M.D. from the Hebrew University–Hadassah and an M.Sc. in hematopoiesis from Tel Aviv University. He completed postdoctoral training at Stanford. He is board certified in internal medicine and hematology.
He has more than 35 years of experience. He pioneered reduced‑intensity allogeneic transplant protocols for malignant and non‑malignant diseases. He founded Israel’s first public cord blood bank. He performed the country’s first cord blood transplants.
He has held international leadership roles. He served as Chair and Co‑Chair of the ALWP of the EBMT. He was a vice‑chair and long‑term member of EBMT committees. He served on the board of NetCord/EuroCord and as treasurer. He is a frequent invited speaker. He has published widely in journals such as Blood and Leukemia. He has led major clinical trials as a principal investigator and held editorial roles. He has received multiple awards for innovation and clinical excellence.
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.