Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov)
Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov)
Israel, Tel Aviv
Ronit El Hasid
38 years of experience
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 | ≈ $9,500 |
Heads the Pediatric Oncohematology and Oncology Department, leading one of Israel's premier children's oncology teams at Dana Dwek Children's Hospital.
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.
Dr. Dror Levin is a leading expert in the treatment of bone cancer (sarcoma) in children, with extensive experience at Sourasky Medical Center in Tel Aviv.
Professor Roksana Klepper has 32 years of experience in pediatric oncology and nephrology, specializing in Wilms tumor at Sourasky Medical Center.
Israeli pediatric oncology centers report a 5-year survival rate between 85% and 90% for Wilms tumor. Leading institutions like Sourasky Medical Center maintain a 90% oncology success rate. Specialized units using precise European protocols achieve survival outcomes reaching 95% for early-stage cases.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Success in Israel is driven by high-volume pediatric specialists like Dr. Hana Golan at Sheba Medical Center. Sheba treats over 2 million patients annually and ranks among the global top 10. Their bone marrow transplant package for Wilms tumor is highly comprehensive. It includes consultations with five different specialists, from nephrologists to immunologists, ensuring multi-system safety during complex treatments.
Patient Consensus: Parents emphasize that catching symptoms like abdominal swelling early is vital for reaching the 90%+ survival mark. They often note that specialized genetic testing for mutations is a critical step before starting treatment protocols.
Sheba Medical Center and Sourasky Medical Center are top Israeli hospitals for pediatric Wilms tumor. These JCI-accredited facilities offer multidisciplinary care through dedicated pediatric hemato-oncology departments. Specialized teams utilize precise diagnostics and research-based therapies to treat high-risk pediatric kidney tumors effectively.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli pediatric centers prioritize long-term health by using kidney-sparing surgical techniques. Sheba Medical Center offers complex bone marrow transplant packages for approximately $160,000 in high-risk cases. These comprehensive programs include 30 hospital days and extensive consultations with specialists in cardiology and nephrology.
Patient Consensus: Parents find it helpful that centers provide dedicated nurse services and specialized pediatric nutrition. Many note that having several specialists coordinate care in one location reduces stress during treatment.
Israeli specialists primarily follow the International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOP) protocol for Wilms tumor. This approach prioritizes neoadjuvant chemotherapy to shrink the tumor before surgery. Treatment involves multidimensional stages including surgical resection, targeted radiation, and genomic profiling to ensure a 90% survival rate.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli oncology centers like Sheba Medical Center offer a high-tier contingency protocol for high-risk or relapsed cases. While standard SIOP protocols focus on chemo and surgery, Dr. Hana Golan manages specialized bone marrow transplant packages costing approximately $160,000. These comprehensive packages include 30 days of hospitalization and consultations with five different specialists, reflecting a highly integrated multidisciplinary approach.
Patient Consensus: Parents note that surgery often happens quickly after diagnosis for children under 5. They highlight the necessity of discussing fertility preservation and hearing tests before starting intensive chemotherapy regimens.
Survivors of Wilms tumor treated in Israel may experience late effects years after therapy. High-risk protocols involving chemotherapy or radiation can impact kidney function, heart health, and musculoskeletal development. Israeli centers use risk-adapted strategies and lifelong surveillance to detect and manage these long-term conditions early.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli oncology centers prioritize multidisciplinary long-term care by nesting specialists within pediatric departments. For example, Dr. Roksana Klepper at Sourasky Medical Center is dually certified in pediatric oncology and nephrology. This dual expertise is vital for Wilms survivors, as it ensures kidney protection is integrated directly into the cancer treatment plan rather than as an afterthought.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize the importance of having a written survivorship care plan. They note that regular check-ups and avoiding certain medications are necessary to protect their remaining kidney for years to come.
International patients typically start Wilms tumor treatment in Israel within 1 to 5 days after arrival. This rapid timeline covers essential diagnostic verification. Treatment often begins immediately following confirmation. Facilities like Sheba Medical Center prioritize pediatric oncology cases to ensure swift medical intervention.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli medical centers demonstrate high efficiency for pediatric oncology. Sheba Medical Center manages over 2 million patients annually and maintains a global top 10 ranking. Their specialized packages, such as those for bone marrow transplants, include comprehensive diagnostics and 30 hospital nights. This level of integrated care prevents delays between diagnosis and therapy. Such centers frequently handle over 9,000 pediatric cases yearly, ensuring standardized yet rapid protocols for international families.
Patient Consensus: Families emphasize that shipping medical records and pathology slides ahead of travel significantly speeds up the process. They note that while Israeli hospitals move quickly, delays most often come from home-country bureaucracy or insurance approvals.
Israeli pediatric surgeons primarily use radical nephrectomy via subcostal or flank incisions for Wilms tumor removal. These procedures leave a visible scar. Open surgery is the gold standard in JCI-accredited centers like Sheba Medical Center to ensure safe lymph node sampling and complete tumor margins.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli oncology centers like Sourasky Medical Center report a 90% average success rate for oncology treatments. While robotic surgery is highlighted at many clinics, our data shows its use for Wilms tumor is strictly limited to specific, smaller cases to avoid tumor rupture. Prioritizing open surgery ensures surgeons can perform thorough lymph node checks, which is vital for accurate staging and long-term survival.
Patient Consensus: Parents note that children's scars heal quickly and often become faint, thin lines by school age. Most emphasize that achieving clear margins is the priority over the final size of the incision.
Children in Israel have direct access to the latest Wilms tumor clinical trials through global partnerships. Leading Israeli centers participate in international protocols with the Children Oncology Group (COG) and International Society of Pediatric Oncology (SIOP). This provides kids with innovative therapies and precision diagnostics frequently ahead of other regions.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Data shows that trial availability is highest at larger academic centers in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Sheba Medical Center alone serves over 9,000 children annually. Its Pediatric Hemato-Oncology Division director, Dr. Hana Golan, specializes specifically in high-risk tumors. For complex cases, choosing these high-volume centers increases the likelihood of qualifying for a bone marrow transplant or experimental protocol.
Patient Consensus: Parents note that trial options aren't always mentioned automatically. It is vital to ask oncologists directly for a full list of active international protocols. Families also recommend connecting with local parent networks to stay updated on which major hospitals have open enrollment for specific rare cases.
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.