Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov)
Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov)
Israel, Tel Aviv
Ofer Merimsky
41 years of experience
accreditations :
Clinic is certified :
| Israel | Turkey | Austria | |
| Radiation therapy for colorectal cancer | ≈ $14,000 | from $5,000 | from $6,800 |
| Chemotherapy for breast cancer | ≈ $22,500 | from $3,000 | ≈ $15,000 |
Dr. Pelles Sharon specializes in advanced liver cancer treatments at Sourasky Medical Center, including liver resection and chemoembolization.
Prof. Merimsky leads the Soft Tissue and Bone Oncology Unit at Sourasky Medical Center, specializing in complex cancer cases.
Prof. Nadir Arber heads the Integrated Cancer Prevention Center at Israel's Sourasky Medical Center, specializing in gastrointestinal oncology.
Dr. Arnon Nagler is a hematologist at Sheba Medical Center in Israel. He is a professor at Tel Aviv University and a renowned transplant expert. Dr. Nagler founded Israel’s first public cord blood bank. He also performed the first cord blood transplantations in the country. He completed postdoctoral training at Stanford University and is board-certified in hematology.
Stage 3 liver cancer is treatable with surgery in Israel if the tumor is resectable and liver function remains stable. Specialists use advanced procedures like partial hepatectomy or ex-vivo resection. Eligibility depends on vascular involvement and the absence of distant metastasis.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data shows that choosing high-volume centers like Sheba or Sourasky is vital for complex stages. These facilities perform over 34,000 to 45,000 operations annually. This high frequency allows surgeons to maintain expertise in rare procedures like ex-vivo resection. Patients benefit from multidisciplinary teams that often re-evaluate cases initially labeled as inoperable elsewhere.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that a second opinion is essential because assessments of operability vary between surgeons. They emphasize asking exactly why surgery is not recommended to explore downstaging options.
Israeli hospitals provide advanced non-surgical local therapies including transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT), and microwave ablation. These minimally invasive procedures target stage 3 tumors when surgery is not possible. Specialized JCI-accredited centers use these techniques to halt progression.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data shows Israeli specialists like Dr. Pelles Sharon at Sourasky Medical Center often combine SIRT with immunotherapy. This dual approach is common in high-volume clinics like Sheba, which treats over 1,900,000 patients annually. While ablation is standard for small nodules, Israeli oncologists frequently use microwave ablation for larger stage 3 masses. This is possible due to the high density of robotic and digital imaging technologies at these academic centers.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that TACE is a common bridge therapy to slow tumor growth. Many emphasize that doctors prioritize liver function scores over tumor stage when choosing between radiation and embolization.
Advanced and experimental therapies are widely available in Israel for inoperable cancer. Patients access cutting-edge protocols through international clinical trials and compassionate use programs. Leading academic centers specialize in cellular immunotherapies, precise radioactive micro-technologies, and molecularly targeted biological regimens for unresectable tumors.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli oncology centers like Sheba Medical Center and Sourasky (Ichilov) often successfully downstage tumors once labeled inoperable. Prof. Dr. Almog Ben Yaacov at Sheba, for instance, uses microwave liver ablation and robot-assisted technology to treat complex cases. A high volume of clinical trials and 90% oncology success rates at Ichilov indicate that multidisciplinary reviews frequently find new surgical or systemic pathways.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize the value of a multidisciplinary tumor board review. Inoperable status can change after evaluation by a hepatobiliary surgeon and an interventional radiologist together.
Israeli medical centers like Sheba and Sourasky lead in treating Stage 3 liver cancer through multidisciplinary tumor boards. These JCI-accredited facilities provide advanced therapies including SIRT radioembolization and complex hepatectomy. High survival rates are achieved using integrated surgical oncology and personalized immunotherapy protocols.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli oncology centers demonstrate high expertise through specialized leadership roles. Dr. Yuri Goldes at Sheba pioneered the first robotic oncologic resections in Israel. This technical depth allows for minimally invasive approaches even in complex Stage 3 cases. Patients benefit from surgeons who perform over 200 specialized procedures like HIPEC annually.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize that top-tier results come from hospitals using full liver tumor boards. They recommend getting second opinions from major academic centers to confirm the best treatment combination.
International patients can begin liver cancer treatment in Israel within 3 to 5 days of arrival. Evaluation starts immediately after online medical file review. If diagnostic scans are current, specialists can confirm a treatment plan within 48 to 72 hours of the first consultation.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli oncology centers like Sheba Medical Center and Sourasky prioritize multidisciplinary tumor board reviews for stage 3 cases. This ensures that surgeons, hepatologists, and interventional radiologists evaluate resectability together. Choosing a center with specialized hepatobiliary units typically shortens the path from initial scan to the first procedure by at least 48 hours.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that arriving with complete pathology reports and recent PET-CT scans avoids redundant testing delays. They emphasize that while consultations happen quickly, the real key to speed is having a dedicated coordinator handle medical translations before landing.
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.