Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov)
Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov)
Israel, Tel Aviv
Ronit El Hasid
38 years of experience
Clinic is certified :
| Israel | Turkey | Austria | |
| Complex treatment of neuroblastoma | from $74,500 | ≈ $38,000 | ≈ $85,000 |
300+ pediatric oncological transplants performed – Ronit El Hasid works exclusively on children at Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov).
Dr. Amos Toren is a pediatric hemato-oncologist at Sheba Medical Center. He served as Director of the Pediatric Hemato-Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplant Division. Dr. Toren holds a PhD in Human Genetics. He specializes in CAR T-cell therapy and bone marrow transplantation for children. Forbes Israel has recognized his expertise in hematology.
Dr. Hana Golan heads the Pediatric Hemato-Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Division at Sheba Medical Center. She specializes in high-risk pediatric tumors and complex childhood cancers. Dr. Golan serves as the principal investigator for the High-Risk Neuroblastoma ESIOP protocol. She practices at a hospital ranked among the global top 10 by Newsweek.
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.
Israeli medical centers report survival rates reaching 85% for high-risk neuroblastoma patients. Specialized oncology facilities achieve a 90% success rate for general pediatric oncology cases. These outcomes stem from intensive multimodality protocols. Centers integrate advanced immunotherapy and MIBG radiation therapy for precise tumor targeting.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While survival rates are high across Israel, the logistical density at centers like Sheba is unique. Their neuroblastoma bone marrow transplant package includes a 30-day hospital stay. This extended inpatient period is significantly longer than many international protocols. It ensures maximum safety during the critical post-transplant recovery phase.
Patient Consensus: Parents often highlight the speed of diagnosis and the reassuring precision of nuclear medicine tools like MIBG. They note that having access to world-renowned specialists like Dr. Hana Golan provides immense confidence during complex treatments.
Major Israeli hospitals treating neuroblastoma include Sheba Medical Center, Sourasky (Ichilov), Hadassah, Rambam, and Schneider Children's. These facilities hold Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation. Leading specialists include Dr. Hana Golan and Prof. Ronit El Hasid, who follow international high-risk protocols and utilize bone marrow transplantation.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli medical centers demonstrate a significant scale of care, with Sheba Medical Center alone treating over 2 million patients annually. Our data shows that top-tier packages, such as those at Sheba, priced around $160,000 for complex bone marrow transplants, often include 30 hospital days. This extensive inpatient stay is a key differentiator compared to clinics in other regions that may offer shorter initial monitoring periods.
Patient Consensus: Parents emphasize the importance of contacting international coordinators early to manage visas and translations. Families note that while surgical success is high, navigating language barriers is easier when using the dedicated international wings of major centers like Sourasky.
MIBG therapy (131I-MIBG) is available in Israel at major tertiary centers like Sheba Medical Center and Rambam Health Care Campus. Facilities manage radiation safety through lead-lined isolation rooms. Specialized protocols include thyroid protection using potassium iodide. Strict monitoring ensures radioactivity stays within safe limits before patient discharge.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli oncology centers often integrate MIBG therapy into comprehensive high-risk neuroblastoma protocols. At Sheba Medical Center, for example, Dr. Hana Golan serves as a lead investigator for high-risk ESIOP protocols. This high-level clinical integration means patients receive targeted molecular therapy while staying within standardized European treatment frameworks. Such coordination simplifies the transition between MIBG and other complex phases like bone marrow transplantation.
Patient Consensus: Parents find the separation during the 5–7 day isolation period emotionally difficult but understand the safety need. Patients suggest packing disposable entertainment items and using salivary protectors to manage the physical effects of radiation.
High-risk neuroblastoma treatment in Israel typically spans 15 to 18 months. Patients undergo intensive induction, consolidation, and maintenance phases. Specialized centers like Sheba Medical Center usually complete diagnostics in 3 to 5 days. Treatment involves chemotherapy, surgical resection, and autologous stem cell transplantation.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli protocols often integrate autologous stem cell transplantation and immunotherapy into a single consolidated timeline. While a standard hospital stay for transplant is 30 days, centers like Sheba Medical Center manage over 2 million patients annually. Their high volume allows for rapid transitions from intensive inpatient care to daily outpatient monitoring.
Patient Consensus: Families emphasize planning for at least 12 to 18 months in Israel to account for recovery buffers. They recommend bringing comfort items for the child as isolation periods during transplant can be extended.
Israel provides comprehensive support for international families. JCI-accredited centers like Sheba and Sourasky employ English-speaking medical teams. Multidisciplinary care includes personalized nutrition and 24-hour nursing. Families receive dedicated assistance with airport-to-clinic transfers. On-site coordinators bridge language gaps throughout the neuroblastoma treatment journey.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While many think of medical care only, Sheba Medical Center bundles include 30 hospital nights. This provides a stable base for families. Coordination often starts before arrival with English-language consultations. Choosing clinics ranked by Newsweek ensures international standards for linguistic and medical support. This structure reduces the logistical burden on parents significantly.
Patient Consensus: Parents find having a dedicated coordinator essential for navigating daily hospital life. They often emphasize that having someone to translate medical details into plain English makes complex procedures feel much more manageable.
Israel actively conducts clinical trials for foreign children with relapsed or refractory neuroblastoma. Leading centers like Sheba Medical Center and Schneider Children’s participate in global research consortiums. These trials often grant international patients access to experimental immunotherapies. This including CAR T-cell therapy and novel drug protocols.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli oncology centers serve over 1.8 million patients annually and maintain a 90% oncology success rate. Our data shows Sheba Medical Center is ranked in the top 10 globally by Newsweek. Dr. Hana Golan personally leads international neuroblastoma protocols at this JCI-accredited facility. This combination of global ranking and leadership ensures high-risk patients receive verified expert care.
Patient Consensus: Parents emphasize that starting the medical review early is vital for trial eligibility. They note having a dedicated case manager helps manage the complex logistics of international treatment.
Children can usually fly 1 to 2 weeks after chemotherapy or minor surgery. Stem cell transplants require longer stays. Flights are safe once blood counts stabilize and doctors confirm medical readiness for travel. Patients must carry a formal discharge letter and detailed medication list.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli protocols often include MIBG therapy or CAR-T cell trials for high-risk neuroblastoma. These advanced treatments require specific monitoring periods before departure. At Sheba Medical Center, Dr. Hana Golan oversees these complex international protocols. We see that many families choose Sheba because it ranks among the top 10 hospitals globally.
Patient Consensus: Parents emphasize the importance of requesting a flight-ready letter for the airline. They also suggest booking flexible tickets in case blood counts take longer to recover.
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.