Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov)
Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov)
Israel, Tel Aviv
Igor Suhotnik
36 years of experience
accreditations :
Clinic is certified :
Cleft lip or palate repair in Israel typically costs from $9,800 to $17,200 depending on surgical complexity and the clinic type. In the US, similar procedures cost around $10,000 on average. Patients save around 2% compared to the US. Pricing generally includes anesthesia, a one-day hospital stay, and initial surgical consultations in medical hubs like Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Choosing a multidisciplinary center like Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) provides access to Forbes-ranked experts. Surgeons here often have over 30 years of experience and hold memberships in the American Cleft Lip and Palate Association. This high level of specialization at a JCI-accredited facility ensures international safety standards. Centers like Hadassah Medical Center further offer high-volume expertise with over 40,000 annual operations.
Why choose Israel for cleft lip or palate repair?
Access advanced Cleft Lip or Palate Repair solutions in trusted clinics from $9,800.
| Israel | Turkey | The USA | |
| Cleft Lip or Palate Repair | ≈ $9,800 | from $2,600 | from $10,000 |
No hidden fees – just official clinic prices. Pay at the clinic for Cleft Lip or Palate Repair upon arrival and use a flexible installment plan if needed.
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Please note that the timeline and process might vary depending on individual cases and the specific requirements of the surgery.
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Dr. Gur specializes in both aesthetic and reconstructive surgeries, with extensive training in microsurgery at The Toronto Hospital.
Ranked among Israel's best doctors by Forbes – Dr. Abergel leads ENT surgery at Sourasky Medical Center.
Dr. Derowe Ari leads the Pediatric Otolaryngology Unit at Ichilov Sourasky Medical Center – one of Israel's top hospitals for cleft lip and palate repair.
Recognized in Forbes as a Top plastic surgeon in Israel – Dr. Leshem specializes in pediatric plastic surgery at Sourasky Medical Center.
Standard medical guidelines recommend repairing a cleft lip within the first 3 to 6 months of age. Surgeons typically perform cleft palate repair between 9 and 12 months to support normal speech development before significant talking begins.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli medical centers like Sourasky offer a unique concentration of expertise where specialists like Dr. Leshem David use endoscopic techniques to reduce surgical trauma. While some global protocols split palate repair into two stages, leading Israeli facilities often favor a single-stage approach for highly efficient speech outcomes. Choosing a clinic that performs over 30,000 operations annually ensures your child benefits from a highly practiced multidisciplinary team.
Patient Consensus: Parents emphasize that prioritizing a surgical team with high annual volume is more vital than a specific date. They also suggest preparing for intensive post-operative feeding support and strict medication schedules immediately after surgery.
Cleft surgery is generally safe, though risks include palatal fistula, speech resonance issues (velopharyngeal insufficiency), and jaw growth irregularities. Surgeons like Dr. Eal Gur at Sourasky Medical Center utilize microsurgical and endoscopic techniques to minimize complications and improve functional outcomes for infants and children.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli centers like Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) stand out because they utilize multidisciplinary teams. These groups include Forbes-ranked specialists like Dr. Leshem David and ENT experts like Dr. Derowe Ari. This collaborative approach is vital because cleft care isn't a single event. It involves addressing simultaneous risks like hearing loss and speech development under one roof.
Patient Consensus: Parents emphasize that while surgical closure is vital, managing long-term feeding challenges and emotional burden is equally taxing. Many recommend prioritizing clinics that provide integrated speech therapy and hearing monitoring alongside the initial repair.
Cleft repair in Israel is a multi-stage process requiring several surgeries from infancy through adolescence. While doctors typically repair the lip at 3–6 months and the palate by 18 months, children often need subsequent bone grafts, speech-related revisions, and orthodontic surgeries to ensure optimal function.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli centers like Sourasky Medical Center leverage multidisciplinary teams where ENT specialists and plastic surgeons, such as Dr. Eal Gur, co-manage cases. This collaboration is vital because palate repairs often influence sinus health and speech development simultaneously. Choosing a hospital with a dedicated pediatric unit, like Dana Dwek Children's Hospital, ensures all surgical stages are coordinated by one integrated medical team.
Patient Consensus: Parents should prepare for a sequential journey rather than a single procedure. Many note that while the first surgery is the most emotional, secondary bone grafts and dental alignment are equally critical for long-term success.
A typical cleft care plan involves a multidisciplinary approach spanning infancy to adulthood. It integrates surgical repair with speech therapy, orthodontic care, and hearing monitoring. Operations typically begin with lip repair at 3-6 months, followed by palate reconstruction around 9-12 months.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli centers like Sourasky Medical Center offer a distinct advantage by housing specialized pediatric units like Dana-Dwek Children's Hospital. Here, acting directors and department heads personally lead the multidisciplinary teams. This specific structure allows for seamless coordination between plastic surgeons and acting directors of hearing departments. This collaborative environment ensures that speech, hearing, and aesthetics are managed simultaneously under one roof.
Patient Consensus: Parents find that care is a long-term journey rather than a single surgery. Success often depends on early feeding training and the use of protective arm guards after operations.
Cleft lip and palate are diagnosed prenatally in Israel during routine second-trimester obstetric ultrasounds. While specialized 3D imaging identifies cleft lips as early as 12 weeks, a cleft palate often remains unconfirmed until birth due to imaging angles. JCI-accredited centers provide multidisciplinary counseling immediately upon detection.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli pediatric centers like Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) stand out because their specialists hold dual credentials. For example, Dr. Eal Gur is a member of the American Cleft Lip and Palate Association. This means prenatal diagnosis leads directly to a surgical plan using Canadian or American-standard microsurgical techniques shortly after birth.
Patient Consensus: Many families report that while cleft lip is clear on mid-pregnancy scans, the palate status often stays uncertain. They recommend requesting a high-risk ultrasound team for detailed follow-up if any facial cleft is suspected.
Israel offers specialized care at JCI-accredited research hospitals and private clinics, particularly in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Patients find multidisciplinary teams for complex procedures like cleft lip and palate repair at Newsweek-ranked facilities such as Sourasky Medical Center and Hadassah Medical Center.
Bookimed Expert Insight: For specialized pediatric care, the concentration of Forbes-ranked experts at Sourasky Medical Center is notable. Surgeons like Dr. David Leshem and Dr. Avraam Abergel provide a rare advantage. They combine plastic surgery and ENT expertise within a single department to improve functional outcomes.
Patient Consensus: Success depends on choosing a dedicated cleft team for staged treatment. Families emphasize the importance of early speech therapist involvement and checking insurance for birth defect coverage.
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.