Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov)
Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov)
Israel, Tel Aviv
Ofer Merimsky
41 years of experience
accreditations :
Clinic is certified :
Dr. Dov Zippel is a surgical oncologist and head of the Meirav Breast Center. Forbes Israel named him to its Best Doctors list in 2025. He treats benign and malignant breast tumors and melanoma at Sheba Medical Center. Dr. Zippel completed a surgical oncology fellowship at the University of Calgary in Canada.
Board certified in both internal medicine and cardiology, with over 42 years of clinical experience. Dr. Aballay offers comprehensive care at Sourasky Medical Center.
Dr. Ofer Merimsky heads the National Center for bone and soft tissue sarcomas at Sourasky Medical Center. He is a primary specialist in Israel for lung cancer and sarcoma treatment. Dr. Merimsky serves as Deputy Director of the Oncology Institute. He also specializes in complex Whipple surgery for pancreatic cancer cases. He works at JCI-accredited Sourasky Medical Center, ranked among the world's best hospitals by Newsweek.
The doctor is a highly experienced mammologist, specializing in breast surgery. With a focus on innovative surgical techniques, the doctor leads the Breast Surgery Department, ensuring top-tier patient care and outcomes. The doctor is recognized for contributions to breast cancer treatment and has published numerous research articles in prestigious medical journals. The doctor is also involved in clinical trials aimed at improving breast cancer therapies and has received multiple awards for excellence in surgical practice and patient care.
Fibrocystic breast disease is not a dangerous illness. Doctors now classify it as a normal variation called fibrocystic breast changes. These benign modifications affect over 50% of women before menopause. Although not life-threatening, these changes require regular monitoring to ensure and confirm any new tissue growths are non-cancerous.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli medical centers like Assuta and Sourasky prioritize multidisciplinary monitoring. Assuta Medical Center allows patients to select their own attending physician. This personal choice is vital for managing chronic benign conditions. Patients often benefit from consulting surgeons like Dr. Dov Zippel. He is a board-certified specialist in both benign and malignant breast tumors. High-volume centers such as Sourasky handle 34,000 operations annually. This vast experience ensures high diagnostic accuracy for complex breast tissue cases.
Patient Consensus: Patients find the condition annoying rather than scary. They recommend tracking monthly changes and getting biopsies for peace of mind. Many note that simple lifestyle shifts like cutting caffeine and wearing supportive bras provide significant relief from discomfort.
Fibrocystic breasts make cancer detection harder due to physical and radiographic masking. Dense fibrous tissue and cancerous tumors both appear white on mammograms. Specialized imaging like 3D mammography or breast MRI helps doctors distinguish benign cysts from solid malignant masses in Israeli medical centers.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli centers like Sourasky Medical Center utilize advanced digital imaging to overcome detection hurdles. Their specialists use AI-integrated diagnostics to analyze dense tissue patterns. This technology helps differentiate between normal hormonal fluctuations and potential early-stage malignancies more accurately than standard scans.
Patient Consensus: Patients note it is essential to track which lumps change with their cycle. They often feel more confident after pairing mammograms with ultrasound for a clearer diagnostic picture.
Israeli medical centers perform minimally invasive drainage or surgical excision for large or painful cysts. Doctors prioritize fine needle aspiration for immediate relief. Advanced cases use laparoscopic cystectomy or robotic-assisted surgery at JCI-accredited facilities like Sourasky Medical Center to preserve healthy tissue.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While many search for general surgeons, seeking specialists like Dr. Dov Zippel at Sheba Medical Center offers a major advantage. Specialists in breast or surgical oncology often use techniques like intact lesion excision. This approach ensures the entire cyst wall is removed. It significantly lowers the chance of the cyst returning compared to simple drainage.
Patient Consensus: Patients find that getting an ultrasound quickly is the most important first step. They often recommend tracking pain levels to help doctors decide between simple drainage or full surgical removal.
Top Israeli centers for advanced breast care include Sheba Medical Center, Sourasky Medical Center, and Assuta Medical Center. These facilities utilize AI-driven diagnostics, 3D MIRA scans, and high-precision imaging to manage breast health. Recognized by Newsweek and Joint Commission International, they specialize in differentiating benign conditions from malignancy.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli medical centers demonstrate a high level of research integration. Sourasky Medical Center houses over 240 departments and focuses heavily on scientific discovery. Patients often find that centers like Rambam and Sourasky operate at a massive scale, serving nearly 1,000,000 and 1,800,000 patients annually respectively. This ultra-high volume ensures doctors manage complex diagnostic cases daily across dozens of specialized departments.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that combining mammograms with ultrasound upfront helps catch specific tissue patterns. Many recommend private centers like Assuta when time is a priority for peace of mind.
Surgery for fibrocystic breast changes in Israel is rare because the condition is benign. Israeli clinics prioritize non-invasive management and active surveillance. Specialized centers like the Meirav Breast Cancer Center at Sheba Medical Center follow evidence-based standards. They only consider surgery for suspicious masses or intractable pain.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli specialists like Dr. Dov Zippel use the Intact breast lesion excision system. This technology allows for the removal of benign lesions through a tiny incision. It is often performed as an outpatient procedure in centers like Sheba or Assuta Medical Center. This approach bridges the gap between traditional biopsy and major surgery.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that Israeli surgeons strongly prefer watchful waiting and imaging over immediate intervention. They emphasize that while conservative timelines require patience, a confirmed benign diagnosis usually eliminates the need for any surgery.
Israeli specialists use hormonal therapies to treat fibrocystic breast disease only for severe or persistent symptoms. Doctors prioritize conservative management for most patients. Specialized facilities like Sourasky Medical Center utilize local progesterone gels to minimize side effects. Cases with intractable pain may require estrogen-blocking medications.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli medical centers demonstrate a trend toward integrated oncology and mammology departments. For example, Sourasky Medical Center manages over 1,800,000 patients annually across 240 departments. This high volume allows doctors to differentiate between physiological fluctuations and progressive disease. Patients benefit from specialists like Dr. Dov Zippel. He holds certifications in surgical oncology and manages benign breast tumors. This multidisciplinary expertise ensures hormonal therapy is only applied when clinically necessary.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that documenting cyclic symptoms helps doctors decide between conservative care and hormonal intervention. Many find that simple changes like caffeine reduction are recommended before any medication is prescribed.
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.