Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov)
Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov)
Israel, Tel Aviv
Professor Shimon Rochkind
47 years of experience
accreditations :
Clinic is certified :
Dr. Alon Friedlander is a leading orthopedic spine surgeon listed among Israel’s Top Doctors by Forbes. He serves as the Director of the Orthopedic Department at Sheba Medical Center. Dr. Friedlander treats complex spinal disorders in both adult and pediatric patients. He uses both minimally invasive and open surgical techniques for precision care.
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.
One of Israel's top neurosurgeons with 47 years of experience – Prof. Rochkind specializes in Spina bifida treatment at Sourasky Medical Center.
Prof. Margalit Navo has performed 70+ meningioma surgeries and 100+ skull base tumor removals at Ichilov Medical Center.
Spina bifida surgery in Israel is safe, reporting efficacy rates between 85% and 90%. Leading centers like Sourasky and Hadassah maintain Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation. Specialized surgeons use advanced neuro-monitoring and laser technologies to ensure precision and improve long-term mobility outcomes.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While many countries offer postnatal repair, Israel stands out for its high-volume fetal surgery programs. Hadassah and Beilinson handle approximately 1,000,000 patient visits annually each. This massive data pool allows their surgeons to refine complex fetoscopic techniques that are still rare in other regions.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize finding surgeons with experience in over 100 cases to ensure the best outcomes. They often note that early aggressive follow-up with serial ultrasounds is vital for monitoring post-operative recovery.
Israel offers advanced spina bifida care through JCI-accredited medical centers like Hadassah, Sourasky (Ichilov), and Sheba. These institutions provide multidisciplinary services including fetal surgery to repair spinal defects in utero. Expert neurosurgeons use neuroendoscopic methods and laser technologies for complex pediatric cases and rehabilitation.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli medical centers manage massive patient volumes, with Hadassah and Sourasky each serving over 1,000,000 patients annually. This high frequency allows neurosurgeons like Professor Shimon Rochkind to gain documented experience in over 35 years of practice. High-volume centers show a distinct pattern of integrating laser and bioengineering technologies into routine spinal procedures. This creates a technical edge over clinics with lower patient turnover.
Patient Consensus: Parents frequently emphasize the importance of seeking integrated teams where urologists and neurosurgeons collaborate. Patients note that fast access to tethered cord releases at private wings can be critical for long-term mobility.
Israel offers open fetal surgery, fetoscopic repair, and standard postnatal surgery for spina bifida. Fetal options performed before birth significantly reduce brain shunt needs. Israeli neurosurgeons also use postnatal microsurgery to close the defect within 48 hours of delivery.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli neurosurgeons often collaborate across multidisciplinary teams in tertiary centers like Tel Aviv Sourasky. High-volume centers report consistent success by integrating fetal medicine with neonatal intensive care. This reduces long-term mobility issues through early intervention strategies.
Patient Consensus: Parents emphasize that quick access to neonatal imaging determines the surgical path. Families note that coordinated care between obstetricians and neurosurgeons provides the most reassurance.
International patients typically stay in Israel for 4 to 8 weeks for spina bifida treatment. This timeframe covers neurosurgical diagnostics, the procedure, and critical post-operative monitoring. Most surgical protocols require at least 14 to 21 days of local observation to manage potential complications safely.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli neurosurgeons, such as Professor Shimon Rochkind at Sourasky Medical Center, often emphasize a 35-year expertise in peripheral nerve microsurgery. Data shows that for complex spina bifida cases, clinics like Hadassah Medical Center coordinate care across multiple specialties. Patients should prioritize staying in Tel Aviv or Jerusalem for at least 3 weeks post-discharge. This proximity is vital for immediate access to specialists if intracranial pressure changes occur after spinal closure.
Patient Consensus: Families note that while the main surgery takes about 10 days, staying an extra 2 weeks for suture removal provides significant peace of mind. Many recommend booking flexible departures or local apartments, as medical teams may extend stays to monitor shunt stability or prevent infections.
Israeli pediatric neurosurgeons hold medical degrees from top universities and undergo 5 to 7 years of specialized residency training. They must secure board certification from the Israel Medical Association. Many complete 1-2 year pediatric fellowships at leading international institutions in North America or Europe.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli pediatric neurosurgeons at JCI-accredited centers often maintain dual specializations in neurosurgery and orthopedics. For example, Dr. Alon Friedlander at Sheba Medical Center holds credentials in both spine deformity correction and pediatric surgery. This multidisciplinary background is vital for complex spina bifida cases where spinal stability and nerve function require simultaneous expertise. Patients should look for surgeons who serve as department heads. These leaders typically manage volumes exceeding 10,000 pediatric cases annually.
Patient Consensus: Patients value doctors who have completed specialized fellowships in the US or Europe for advanced techniques like cord untethering. They note that verifying a surgeon's specific case volume for congenital defects is essential for peace of mind.
The typical recovery and rehabilitation pathway in Israel begins with acute post-operative care lasting 4 to 6 weeks. Specialists like Professor Shimon Rochkind at Sourasky Medical Center utilize advanced laser neurotechnologies to enhance nerve regeneration. This phase focuses on wound healing and stabilization before long-term multidisciplinary therapy begins.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli neurosurgical departments like those at Hadassah and Sourasky prioritize early integration of pediatric urology and orthopedics. Data shows that clinics with over 100 specialized spinal procedures yearly offer more aggressive early interventions. Patients benefit from this multidisciplinary approach because it addresses tethered cord risks and kidney health simultaneously rather than sequentially.
Patient Consensus: Parents emphasize that tracking shunt function obsessively during the first year is critical for safety. They also note that learning clean intermittent catheterization early provides long-term independence and avoids emergency visits.
Families must provide comprehensive medical records to ensure precise treatment for spina bifida in Israel. Digital copies of MRI or CT scans and histories are required one month before arrival. Israeli medical centers provide most heavy pediatric equipment. Families should focus on packing daily medications.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli pediatric centers like Sourasky manage high patient volumes and complex cases. Our data shows families often over-pack bulky equipment unnecessarily. While mobility aids are available, bringing digital records early is vital. This helps surgeons plan the procedure before your flight lands in Israel.
Patient Consensus: Patients note it's important to keep three printed copies of all immunization and surgical records. They also suggest emailing everything to the clinic at least a month ahead.
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.