Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov)
Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov)
Israel, Tel Aviv
Ron Arbel
42 years of experience
accreditations :
Clinic is certified :
| Israel | Turkey | Austria | |
| Physiotherapy | ≈ $650 | from $150 | ≈ $800 |
| Lapidus Procedure 3D Bunion Correction (Hallux Valgus) | ≈ $7,500 | from $6,500 | ≈ $5,600 |
| Hallux valgus surgery | ≈ $6,500 | from $2,300 | ≈ $4,800 |
| Hallux Valgus - 3D Lapidus Procedure | ≈ $6,500 | from $10,000 | ≈ $7,500 |
Dr. Aaron Menahem is a leading Israeli expert in orthopedic surgery with a worldwide reputation, specializing in total joint replacements.
Head of Orthopedic Surgery at Herzliya Medical Center – Dr. Luger Elchanan brings senior expertise to complex cases.
Dr. Fishkin Michael has over 31 years of expertise in Internal Medicine at Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov), focusing on personalized care.
Dr. Ron Arbel is the Head of the Orthopedic Department at Ichilov Medical Center. He serves as the primary physician for the Israeli national volleyball team. Dr. Arbel specializes in sports medicine and biological cartilage reconstruction. He completed training in arthroscopic surgery at major US medical centers in Chicago and Tennessee.
Israeli orthopedic centers prioritize minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for correcting Hallux Valgus. Leading facilities utilize percutaneous techniques like Minimally Invasive Chevron-Akin (MICA) and 3D Lapidus procedures. These methods involve small incisions and specialized burrs. They ensure faster recovery and higher patient satisfaction compared to traditional open surgeries.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli medical centers manage massive patient volumes, with Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) treating over 400,000 people annually. This high frequency allows surgeons to refine 3D Lapidus procedures and reach high success rates. Patients choosing private centers like Assuta Medical Center can select their specific orthopedic surgeon, ensuring a personalized approach to complex foot realignments.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize asking surgeons for personal imaging results rather than generic diagrams. They note that recovery speed depends heavily on whether the clinic uses percutaneous methods or standard open cuts.
Recovery after Hallux Valgus surgery in Israel ranges from 6 weeks to 6 months for full function. Initial weight-bearing often begins within 24 hours using specialized orthopedic sandals. Minimally invasive techniques may reduce the primary recovery window to approximately 30 days in specific cases.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli private centers like Assuta allow patients to choose their specific attending physician for orthopedic surgery. This is a unique advantage because surgical technique—minimally invasive versus open—directly dictates if you return to work in 4 weeks or 12 weeks. Large centers like Sourasky perform over 34,000 operations annually, providing high surgical volume that correlates with successful outcomes.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that while pain subsides after a few months, swelling often persists for over half a year. Many emphasize that strictly following physical therapy is essential to avoid setbacks during the difficult 2-to-6-week transitional phase.
Non-surgical treatments in Israel manage symptoms effectively but cannot permanently correct the bony deformity of hallux valgus. Methods like custom orthotics and physical therapy alleviate pain and slow progression. Definitive realignment requires surgical intervention at specialized orthopedic centers like Sourasky or Assuta.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli orthopedic centers like Assuta and Sourasky prioritize minimally invasive options if conservative care fails. Assuta performs 92,000 operations annually with high patient customization. We see that patients often combine physiotherapy with diagnostics before choosing surgery. Specialized surgeons like Dr. Luger Elchanan offer expert evaluations for complex structural cases.
Patient Consensus: Patients find that wider shoes and spacers provide significant daily comfort. Most acknowledge these tools manage pain well but do not actually straighten the toe.
Surgery is necessary when persistent pain limits daily activities or non-surgical methods fail after 3 to 6 months. Conservative care is the priority for mild discomfort manageable with wide footwear or orthotics. Israeli specialists emphasize functional impairment over cosmetic appearance or bone angle measurements.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli centers like Assuta Medical Center perform over 92,000 surgeries annually, offering patients high levels of customization. Data suggests that choosing specific techniques like the 3D Lapidus Procedure can significantly impact anatomical alignment. While Assuta allows patients to select their own surgeon, institutions like Sourasky Medical Center provide multidisciplinary expertise with over 2,200 doctors. Patients should prioritize clinics offering advanced digital imaging to ensure the chosen procedure matches their specific bone structure.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize that pain levels matter more than how the foot looks on an X-ray. Many report managing for years with spacers and orthotics, only opting for surgery when conservative trials no longer provide relief.
Patients in Israel typically walk within hours of minimally invasive hallux valgus surgery. Unlike open procedures, this technique supports immediate weight-bearing using specialized orthopedic shoes. Most individuals return home or to a hotel the same day. Full mobility resumes as swelling decreases over several weeks.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli private centers like Assuta Medical Center perform over 92,000 operations annually. This high volume across multidisciplinary teams ensures streamlined protocols for rapid discharge. Data suggests that choosing private facilities in Tel Aviv often allows for more flexible surgeon selection compared to larger public hospitals.
Patient Consensus: Patients report being able to walk around the house on the day of surgery. They emphasize that while early walking is possible, aggressive elevation for 72 hours is vital to manage peak swelling.
In Israel, surgical screws and plates for hallux valgus are permanent implants. They do not require routine removal. Surgeons use biocompatible materials like titanium or surgical-grade steel. These materials remain in the foot safely without rejection for a lifetime.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While major centers like Sourasky Medical Center perform over 34,000 operations annually, hardware issues remain rare due to advanced digital imaging. Data shows that low-profile plates significantly reduce the rates of patient-driven removal caused by shoe friction. Patients choosing clinics with 3D Lapidus technologies often experience fewer hardware-related sensations during recovery.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that hardware is usually unnoticeable after a year. However, some women mention that tight footwear can cause late-onset irritation that makes removal a helpful option later on.
Patients can typically fly 2 to 4 weeks after Hallux Valgus surgery in Israel. Short flights may be possible after 14 days. Long-haul journeys over 4 hours require 4 to 8 weeks. Waiting allows swelling to subside and reduces deep vein thrombosis risks.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While major facilities like Sourasky Medical Center perform over 34,000 operations annually, individual recovery varies significantly. Data shows patients undergoing complex 3D Lapidus procedures often require an extra 4 days of elevation compared to standard osteotomy. Private centers like Assuta allow you to choose your surgeon, which is vital for securing a personalized air travel clearance certificate.
Patient Consensus: Many travelers suggest staying in a hotel for at least 7 days before heading to the airport. They emphasize booking extra legroom to keep the foot elevated and avoid significant pain from cabin pressure.
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.