Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov)
Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov)
Israel, Tel Aviv
Felix Bokstein
46 years of experience
Clinic is certified :
| Israel | Turkey | Austria | |
| Stereotaxic radiosurgery | from $19,000 | from $6,400 | ≈ $9,500 |
| Resection of glioma | ≈ $38,000 | from $14,300 | ≈ $22,000 |
| Radiation therapy for colorectal cancer | ≈ $14,000 | from $5,000 | from $6,700 |
| Gamma Knife | ≈ $14,000 | from $5,500 | ≈ $32,000 |
| Craniotomy | from $22,000 | from $8,900 | ≈ $18,000 |
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.
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.
Head of the Neuro-Oncology Clinic at Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov), Felix Bokstein's entire focus is on brain and spinal cord tumors.
Forbes Israel has listed Prof. Dvora Blumental among the country's best doctors. She directs the Neuro-oncology Service at Ichilov's Oncology Institute.
Glioma treatment in Israel centers on maximal safe resection and high-precision neuro-oncology protocols. Surgeons utilize intraoperative MRI and brain mapping to protect cognitive functions. Standard care combines advanced surgery with radiation and chemotherapy. Leading institutions integrate Tumor Treating Fields and targeted biological therapies for aggressive cases.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli oncology centers demonstrate high-volume expertise, with Sourasky Medical Center alone performing 34,000 annual operations. Our data shows Sheba Medical Center offers comprehensive packages for approximately $35,000. These include 7 hospital days and 10 hotel days. This extended recovery window is crucial for monitoring neurological stability before international travel.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize the importance of early aggressive resection and seeking centers like Hadassah for clinical trials. They note that molecular profiling is essential before beginning any personalized immunotherapy or targeted treatments.
Glioma surgery in Israel exceeds international standards through 85% complete resection rates and mandatory JCI accreditation. Facilities like Sourasky Medical Center report a 90% oncology treatment success rate. Leading neurosurgeons utilize intraoperative MRI and awake craniotomy to maximize tumor removal while preserving critical brain functions.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While many focus on hospital prestige, the true quality indicator in Israel is the integration of research into practice. For example, Dr. Zvi Cohen at Sheba Medical Center founded a dedicated brain tumor tissue bank. This allows surgeons to combine tumor removal with immediate molecular analysis, leading to more personalized and effective postoperative targeted therapies.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize that demanding awake mapping and intraoperative navigation is vital for safety. They often note that choosing high-volume surgeons with specific experience in complex resections significantly improves recovery confidence.
Recovery after glioma surgery in Israel typically includes a 3 to 7 day hospital stay. Patients often enter a home-based recovery phase lasting 6 to 12 weeks. Specialized neuro-rehabilitation usually begins by the second week to accelerate functional gains and manage neurological health.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli centers like Sheba Medical Center offer unique packages that bundle 7 days of hospitalization with a 10-day hotel stay. This 17-day transition period is vital because steroids often cause a weak feeling during the first week. Having medical oversight during the early steroid taper helps patients manage headaches and energy shifts before flying home.
Patient Consensus: Patients note the first week often feels like being in zombie mode due to fatigue and medications. By week 3, many feel a significant turn toward independence and can manage light household tasks.
Postoperative neurological changes are common but often resolve as swelling decreases. In Israel, surgeons use intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring to prevent permanent damage. Statistics show 11% to 18% of patients experience temporary deficits, while only 2% to 14% face permanent changes when tumors reside in eloquent brain areas.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli neurosurgeons like Dr. Zvi Cohen provide a unique advantage by combining high surgery volumes with intraoperative MRI. Our data shows Sheba Medical Center packages specifically include 10 hotel days and 7 hospital days. This extended observation period is longer than standard, allowing specialists to manage postoperative edema before patients travel home.
Patient Consensus: Patients often describe a trade-off between total tumor removal and daily function. They emphasize that while immediate weakness or speech issues are scary, consistent physical therapy typically restores most abilities within months.
International patients typically stay in Israel for 3 to 10 days for a diagnostic glioma evaluation. If surgical resection is required, the total stay usually extends to 17 or 21 days. This timeframe covers the procedure and necessary post-operative recovery before patients can safely fly.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli medical centers like Sheba Medical Center often bundle surgical care into comprehensive 17-day itineraries. These plans typically combine 7 days of acute hospitalization with 10 days of local hotel recovery. This structured approach ensures neurosurgeons like Dr. Zvi Cohen can monitor for late-onset complications while providing integrated post-op medication and nursing services.
Patient Consensus: Patients note it is important to budget 2 to 4 weeks for the initial surgery and assessment. Many travelers choose to receive their specific Israeli-designed oncology protocols locally but return home for the actual chemotherapy and radiation cycles.
Major Israeli medical centers provide dedicated English-speaking coordinators and staff for international glioma patients. Facilities like Sheba Medical Center and Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) specialize in neuro-oncology. They offer comprehensive support including medical translation, visa assistance, and appointment scheduling in English.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli medical centers demonstrate a high level of neuro-oncological expertise. Dr. Zvi Ram and Dr. Zvi Cohen lead globally recognized departments. Sheba Medical Center offers all-inclusive packages around $35,000. These bundles include 7 hospital nights and 10 hotel nights. Such structured care ensures patients have constant access to staff without extra costs.
Patient Consensus: Patients find that major centers like Hadassah and Sheba provide seamless English communication. While translators are available, most neuro-oncologists and coordinators speak English fluently, making it the standard for international care.
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.