Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov)
Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov)
Israel, Tel Aviv
Felix Bokstein
46 years of experience
Clinic is certified :
Why do patients choose Israel for radiosurgery of a brain tumor?
Access advanced Radiosurgery of a brain tumor solutions in trusted clinics from $19,000.
| Israel | Turkey | Austria | |
| Radiosurgery of a brain tumor | from $19,000 | from $5,000 | ≈ $9,500 |
Day 1 - Arrival:
Day 2 - Pre-operation:
Day 3 - Radiosurgery:
Day 4 - Post-operation:
Week 1 - Rehabilitation:
Week 2:
Week 4:
Please note that the timeline and process may vary according to the individual"s health condition and the specifics of the brain tumor.
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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.
Head of Neurooncology Clinic at Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) – specializes in radiosurgery for brain tumors.
Dr. Dvora Blumenthal leads the Neuro-oncology Service at Sourasky Medical Center, bringing decades of specialized expertise in brain tumor treatment.
Dr. Limon Dror specializes in radiosurgery for brain tumors at Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) and trained at Duke University Medical Center.
Brain radiosurgery in Israel is a non-invasive radiation treatment that targets tumors with sub-millimeter precision. Leading centers like Sheba Medical Center use Gamma Knife and CyberKnife technologies to destroy tumor DNA in 1 session without incisions, anesthesia, or a hospital stay.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli neuro-oncology departments offer a unique safety advantage through their massive clinical volume. Sheba Medical Center alone serves 1,900,000 patients annually and hosts a specialized brain tumor tissue bank. This high volume allows surgeons like Dr. Zvi Cohen to refine precision protocols, contributing to the reported 98% neurosurgery success rate at neighboring Sourasky Medical Center.
Patient Consensus: Patients report the procedure is painless, though the required head mask can feel restrictive. Expect fatigue to set in about 2 weeks post-treatment, with hair regrowth usually beginning after 4 months.
Israeli neurosurgical centers use radiosurgery to treat benign and malignant brain tumors, including meningiomas, acoustic neuromas, and pituitary adenomas. Specialists prioritize this non-invasive method for tumors under 2.5–3.5 cm or those located in surgically inaccessible areas using Gamma Knife, CyberKnife, and Novalis technologies.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli oncology centers like Sheba and Sourasky prioritize specialized units for different technologies. While many facilities offer standard stereotactic radiosurgery, specific experts like Dr. Limon Dror at Sourasky focus exclusively on nervous system radiation. This sub-specialization often leads to higher success rates in preserving neurological function during treatment.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize verifying tumor size eligibility early. Most suggest Gamma Knife for smaller, deep-seated spots, while specifically seeking out Alpha DaRT for cases of recurrent glioblastoma.
Brain radiosurgery in Israel typically causes mild, focused side effects including localized hair loss, headaches, and fatigue that peaks two to three weeks after treatment. Advanced systems like the Novalis TrueBeam STx minimize damage to healthy tissues, reducing risks of swelling and radiation necrosis compared to traditional radiation.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli centers like Sourasky often use the Novalis TrueBeam STx for its sub-millimeter precision. This accuracy is a key differentiator. While standard units may cause broader side effects, this technology helps surgeons like Dr. Limon Dror keep radiation focused. This reduces the need for long-term steroid use, which is a major source of patient mood swings and irritability.
Patient Consensus: Patients report that while the procedure is painless, the post-treatment fatigue can feel overwhelming. Many note that mood shifts are often a side effect of the steroids used for swelling rather than the radiation itself.
Radiosurgery treats tumors by delivering high-dose radiation that damages DNA, causing cells to stop growing post-treatment. The body naturally dissolves dead tissue over weeks or years. In Israel, specialists use Gamma Knife or Novalis TrueBeam STx to ensure precise cellular destruction without incisions.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli oncology centers like Sourasky and Sheba bridge the gap between treatment and long-term recovery by using Novalis TrueBeam STx technology. This system tracks tumor movement in real-time. This precision is vital because distinguishing between radiation necrosis and tumor regrowth requires high-definition imaging and expert neurosurgeon differentiation.
Patient Consensus: Expect the tumor to remain visible on immediate scans. Patients highlight that managing fatigue and cognitive fog is essential during the first 2 months while the radiation works.
Israel offers brain radiosurgery at world-class centers using sub-millimeter precision technologies like Gamma Knife and Novalis TrueBeam STx. Benefits include high success rates reaching 90% for specific tumors, non-invasive single-session treatments, and costs averaging 37% lower than United States medical centers.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While many countries offer radiosurgery, Israel’s centers like Sheba and Sourasky integrate real-time intraoperative MRI and genetic testing. This allows doctors to adjust radiation doses mid-procedure based on biology, which is a level of precision typically reserved for the world's top 1% of oncology departments.
Patient Consensus: Patients value the outpatient nature of the treatment and the fact that most leading Israeli centers provide free airport transfers and dedicated interpreters to navigate the specialized medical programs.
Leading Israeli medical centers utilize advanced radiosurgery systems like Gamma Knife, CyberKnife, and the Novalis TrueBeam STx to treat brain tumors. These non-invasive technologies deliver high-dose radiation with sub-millimeter precision, often serving as alternatives to traditional intracranial surgery in JCI-accredited facilities.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While Gamma Knife is a global standard, Israel is uniquely pioneering Alpha DaRT technology for recurrent brain tumors. This homegrown innovation allows doctors to treat previously `untreatable` areas through a single burr hole. It minimizes healthy tissue exposure compared to traditional external beam radiation.
Patient Consensus: Patients value how technology like Alpha DaRT allows for tumor treatment through a tiny incision. This approach avoids full craniotomy and significantly reduces recovery time compared to invasive procedures.
Stereotactic radiosurgery is a primary treatment for brain metastases in Israel, utilizing advanced Gamma Knife and CyberKnife technologies. Surgeons at JCI-accredited centers like Sheba Medical Center or Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) deliver high-dose radiation with millimeter-precision, often replacing traditional invasive craniotomy for lesions under 2.5 cm.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Israeli neuro-oncology departments often combine radiosurgery with an in-house brain tumor tissue bank. Surgeons like Dr. Zvi Cohen at Sheba Medical Center use these samples to tailor post-radiation strategies. This specific focus on precision medicine ensures that even after non-invasive treatment, patients benefit from personalized genomic insights.
Patient Consensus: Patients value the multidisciplinary approach where radiation oncologists and neurosurgeons collaborate on single-session plans. Many report that managing typical post-treatment fatigue is straightforward when supported by international coordination teams.
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.