Doctor Markus YakubovichSenior physician of the gastroenterology department
The specialists at Ihilov Clinic have accumulated immense experience in the therapy of diaphragmatic hernias, and they perform corrections using the most modern and least invasive techniques. The overwhelming majority of surgeries are performed here using laparoscopic access, allowing patients to avoid any negative consequences (including noticeable scars on the body) and quickly return to an active lifestyle. Additional advantages of this approach include short hospitalization and, consequently, cost savings.
Everyone can receive qualified medical assistance in Israel – the doctors at the clinic successfully treat both acquired and congenital diaphragmatic hernias in patients of all ages, including newborns. Israeli surgeons are true professionals in their field, so consulting them provides the highest chances of recovery and the opportunity to achieve the most lasting results.
How diaphragmatic hernia is treated in Israel
The specific methods of therapy are selected individually in each case, depending on the type of hernia (sliding or paraesophageal), the causes of its development (congenital anomalies, chest injuries, etc.), the age of the patient, and other factors. Although the treatment of this pathology is predominantly surgical, the doctors at Top Ihilov Medical Center do not always rush to recommend surgery. If the hernia does not particularly trouble the patient and does not worsen their quality of life, a wait-and-see approach may be allowed for some time. In other cases, especially with a congenital nature of the pathology, surgical intervention should ideally be performed as early as possible – this will not only help eliminate a range of painful symptoms but also prevent the development of associated complications.
- Conservative therapy. It is impossible to completely eliminate the hernia through medication and other non-surgical methods; however, it is quite possible to alleviate painful symptoms and stop further progression of the pathology. This approach yields the best results with minimal diaphragm defect sizes, particularly with sliding types of hernia formation. To prevent the development of inflammatory processes in the esophagus, patients may be prescribed medications aimed at reducing stomach acidity. Corresponding medications are also used to relieve heartburn and painful sensations. Additionally, patients are advised to follow a special diet that includes fractional meals, abstaining from alcohol and carbonated drinks, overly spicy and acidic foods, smoked products, and pickles. Engaging in therapeutic physical exercises also helps speed up recovery (at the same time, heavy physical exertion should be avoided).
- Fundoplication. A surgery aimed at eliminating gastroesophageal reflux. To prevent stomach contents from entering the esophagus and irritating its mucous membrane, doctors perform the following manipulations. First, laparoscopic instruments are introduced into the abdominal cavity through small incisions in the abdomen. With their help, the surgeon forms a cuff from the upper part of the stomach and wraps it around the lower esophageal sphincter. Simultaneously, the hernia of the esophageal opening of the diaphragm is corrected, after which the pathology is considered completely resolved. One of the most popular options for performing this intervention is Nissen fundoplication. It can be performed using either open or laparoscopic access – the doctors at Ihilov Clinic prefer to use the latter method as it avoids significant damage to healthy tissues and accelerates the recovery process. In some cases requiring special precision in manipulations, fundoplication is performed using the da Vinci robotic system – this makes it even more effective and safe.
- Gastrocardiopexy. To eliminate the hernia of the esophageal opening of the diaphragm, Israeli specialists may also perform another type of surgery – suturing the upper third of the stomach and esophagus to structures located beneath the diaphragm (most often to the greater omentum or the round ligament of the liver). Gastrocardiopexy is also predominantly performed using minimally invasive access, making it easily tolerated by patients and not requiring long hospitalization. Reviews of diaphragmatic hernia treatment at Top Ihilov indicate that in most cases, discharge from the clinic occurs on the 3rd to 5th day after surgery.
- Cruroplasty. A surgery that involves suturing the legs of the diaphragm (the so-called hernial gates). This helps strengthen the esophageal-diaphragmatic muscles and prevents the upper part of the stomach from shifting. This method of surgical correction of hernias is most often applied in cases of minor diaphragm defects. In advanced forms of the disease and significant damage to the diaphragm muscles, instead of their plastic surgery, artificial implants are installed – they are made from high-quality biocompatible materials, so they integrate well and perform their functions 100%.
- Esophagectomy. If, due to prolonged progression of the disease, some part of the esophagus has undergone scarring changes, it is excised, after which the free ends of the organ are sutured together. This type of surgery is most often performed using open access; however, due to the high level of professionalism of the surgeons working at the clinic, the likelihood of complications during the postoperative period is reduced to almost zero.
Diagnosis of diaphragmatic hernia in Israel
The entire range of necessary examinations at Top Ihilov Medical Center can be completed in just three to four days. The approximate diagnostic program for the patient is prepared even before arriving in Israel, so long waiting times in queues are excluded – they are directed to the initial consultation with the attending physician literally from the airplane ramp.
For those who cannot travel abroad for examination, an alternative option is also provided. This is a video consultation with an Israeli doctor via Skype. It is sufficient to send the doctor the medical history and diagnostic results obtained in their home country in electronic format and wait for them to prepare their conclusion (this takes only a few days). After analyzing all the information, the doctor will confirm or refute the diagnosis, after which they will provide recommendations for further examination and treatment. If the patient decides to travel to Israel after the video consultation, the first in-person appointment with the specialist will be free.
Day one. Meeting with the attending physician
The patient is examined by a leading specialist in the field, who compiles an accurate diagnostic program. During the appointment, the doctor also conducts a basic physical examination, clarifies complaints, and thoroughly studies the medical history.
Day two. Diagnostic procedures
To clarify the diagnosis and identify accompanying pathologies, the following studies may be prescribed for the patient:
- Ultrasound.
- X-ray.
- Esophagogastroscopy.
- pH-metry.
- Laboratory blood and urine tests.
- Esophageal manometry and others.
Day three. Therapy appointment
After receiving the results of all studies, the attending physician convenes a council of specialists for the treatment of diaphragmatic hernia (usually gastroenterologists and abdominal surgeons). They collectively establish the final diagnosis and create a personalized therapy plan for the patient.
How much does treatment of diaphragmatic hernia cost in Israel
The exact amount will be announced after the diagnosis is completed, as it is the results that determine the appointment of specific therapy methods. In general, patients find the cost of treating diaphragmatic hernia in Israel to be quite affordable. Prices for medical services in Israeli clinics are approximately 25-45% lower than in the USA or Western Europe, while the quality of service is at the highest level.
- Doctors with many years of practical experience and the highest level of qualification.
- Promptness and 100% accuracy of diagnosis.
- Use of modern minimally invasive surgical correction techniques that promote the fastest recovery.
- Affordable prices for the treatment of diaphragmatic hernia in Israel allow patients to save from 25 to 45% compared to Germany or the USA.
- Guarantee of an individual approach and assistance in solving all organizational and everyday issues (each patient from abroad is accompanied by a personal curator-translator).
To find out the exact cost of treatment, simply fill out the application form on the website. A representative of the clinic will contact you shortly and answer all your questions.