Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov)
Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov)
Israel, Tel Aviv
Avraam Abergel
26 years of experience
Clinic is certified :
| Israel | Turkey | Austria | |
| Stapedectomy | ≈ $6,500 | from $6,200 | ≈ $5,800 |
| Cochlear implant placement | ≈ $38,000 | from $14,000 | ≈ $30,000 |
Ranked in the 2021 Forbes list of best doctors in Israel – Dr. Abergel is the Acting Director of the Hearing Impairment Department at Sourasky Medical Center.
Professor Derowe Ari is a senior pediatric ear, nose, and throat (ENT) surgeon, leading the pediatric center at Ichilov Medical Center.
Dr. Hendzel leads the Cochlear Implantation Service at Ichilov Medical Center, specializing in complex hearing loss cases.
Primary treatment for hearing loss in Israel features advanced surgical interventions and subsidized rehabilitative technology. Specialized centers like Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) perform complex cochlear implantations and lateral skull base surgeries. Specialized units provide bone-anchored systems and high-tech hearing aids for both adult and pediatric patients.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli medical centers demonstrate a significant focus on high-volume specialized care. Sourasky Medical Center alone treats over 1,800,000 patients annually across 240 departments. This massive scale allows surgeons like Dr. Derowe Ari to accumulate over 30+ years of experience. This clinical depth often leads to higher success rates in intricate procedures like pediatric ENT and sinus surgeries compared to smaller regional clinics.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that Israel offers faster and more affordable access to advanced implants than many Western countries. They emphasize the importance of custom fittings for hearing aids and recommend seeking second opinions at major facilities to ensure the most modern rechargeable device models are used.
Leading Israeli hospitals for cochlear implants include Sourasky Medical Center, Rambam Medical Center, and Sheba Medical Center. These facilities hold Joint Commission International accreditation and Newsweek rankings. Specialists like Dr. Ophir Hendzel at Sourasky perform complex lateral skull base surgeries using high-precision digital imaging.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While public centers like Sheba and Sourasky handle the highest volumes, private facilities like Herzliya Medical Center often provide a more stable experience for international patients. Data shows that larger public institutions manage over 34,000 operations annually. However, private centers typically offer more consistent access to the same specialist for pre-op testing and long-term device programming.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize that individual surgeon volume matters more than hospital prestige. They recommend confirming the same audiologist will handle both the surgery and the critical year of post-op rehabilitation.
Recovery after cochlear implant surgery in Israel involves 10 days for initial healing and 4 weeks for incision stabilization. Activation of the device occurs 3 to 6 weeks post-surgery. Full auditory rehabilitation typically requires 6 to 12 months of specialized speech therapy.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli centers like Sourasky Medical Center serve over 400,000 patients and emphasize high-volume expertise. Specialists like Dr. Ari Derowe bring over 30 years of experience to pediatric cases. This clinical depth ensures that post-operative mapping is extremely precise. Choosing a hospital with a dedicated ENT surgery service often results in better long-term speech understanding.
Patient Consensus: Patients note a quiet period before activation and emphasize that daily listening exercises are vital for success. Many suggest using neck pillows and sticking to soft foods during the first week.
Cochlear implant surgery for children is fully covered by the Israeli government through the National Basket of Health Services. Coverage includes bilateral implants for those with severe-to-profound hearing loss. Eligibility begins at six months and extends until the child reaches 18 years of age.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data shows that while public coverage is robust, patients often choose private-public hybrids like Herzliya Medical Center or Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) to reduce wait times. For example, Sourasky serves 400,000+ patients annually and houses specialized units led by Harvard-trained experts like Dr. Ophir Hendzel. Parents should confirm if their specific Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plan covers `choice of surgeon` to access these high-volume specialists faster.
Patient Consensus: Parents recommend starting the process early at a family clinic and suggest joining local social media groups to navigate the 3-to-6 month waitlists. Many note that while the state covers the basics, having detailed audiology reports ready helps speed up the approval process with providers like Clalit or Meuhedet.
International pediatric patients with hearing loss in Israel receive support through specialized children hospitals and dedicated ear, nose, and throat (ENT) units. Facilities like Schneider Children Medical Center and Sourasky Medical Center provide multidisciplinary teams. These groups include surgeons, audiologists, and speech therapists to manage cochlear implants and rehabilitation. Specialized international departments handle logistics, language translation, and long-term follow-up care for families traveling from abroad.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While many general hospitals offer ENT services, choosing a dedicated pediatric facility like Schneider Children Medical Center is vital. Our data shows these centers manage over 275,000 young patients annually. This high volume ensures staff are specifically trained in pediatric-only protocols. This specialization often results in smoother recovery phases for children compared to general adult-focused surgical units.
Patient Consensus: Families emphasize that international departments manage everything from airport transfers to post-operative therapy. Patients find that six months of free telehealth follow-ups significantly reduce the need for repeat international travel.
To your first ENT appointment in Israel, you must bring a valid passport or Israeli ID. Essential medical documents include previous audiograms, hearing test results, and any ear-related imaging like CT or MRI scans. A formal referral and list of current medications are required for clinical assessment.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli ENT specialists like Dr. Ophir Hendzel at Sourasky Medical Center often lead dedicated cochlear implant services with high patient volumes. Our data shows that bringing your current hearing aids is vital. Surgeons use them to calibrate baseline hearing before recommending advanced electronic implants or surgical interventions.
Patient Consensus: Patients suggest arriving 30 minutes early to handle administrative paperwork. They also recommend bringing a Hebrew or English translation of your medical history to avoid any delays during the consultation.
Standard medical visas are not required for cochlear implant surgery in Israel. Most international patients enter using a B/2 visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA-IL). This permit covers medical stays for up to 90 days in JCI-accredited facilities across Tel Aviv and Haifa.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli medical centers like Sourasky (Ichilov) handle over 1,800,000 patients annually and are highly experienced in international logistics. Even though a specific medical visa doesn't exist, having a formal invitation from a director like Dr. Ophir Hendzel can streamline border entry. This letter serves as proof of your purpose of stay if questioned by immigration officials upon arrival.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that while the process is straightforward, you should have your hospital documents ready to show at the border. They emphasize that the B/2 tourist status is the standard way to access advanced hearing treatments in Israel.
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.