The Ichilov Medical Center is among the top three most popular and reputable hospitals in Israel. It is located in the center of Tel Aviv. The medical center employs 1,130 doctors, including 103 professors and 215 department heads. Patients from all over the world, including from Europe and the USA, come to Ichilov for consultations. Many specialists teach and conduct research at Tel Aviv University, have received international awards, and are authors of unique methods used worldwide.
The high effectiveness of treatment at the clinic is ensured not only by the level and experience of the doctors but also by the excellent technological base. Every two to three years, the medical equipment at the clinic is updated, and first-class conditions for patient stay are created. The rooms are equipped with everything necessary to meet patients' needs, resembling luxury hotel rooms. Additionally, patients have access to personal companions, translators, and psychologists to help address emotional, everyday, and logistical issues related to their treatment. Reviews about the clinic can be read in the corresponding section of the website.
About the Disease
Insulinoma is a rare tumor of the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas, which is mostly non-cancerous. Up to 10% of insulinomas may have a malignant form. Most malignant tumors have a diameter of more than 2.5 cm. It occurs equally in men and women, more often in individuals aged 40 to 60 years.
The tumor causes the production of an abnormal amount of insulin, leading to dangerously low blood glucose levels (hypoglycemia). When the level of cerebral glucose decreases, behavioral disturbances, memory loss, and loss of consciousness may occur. These disturbances can be interpreted as a mental disorder. Palpitations, nervousness, and sweating may arise due to overactivity of the sympathetic system. Most patients gain weight.
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Treatment Methods for Insulinoma
Depending on the patient's condition and the characteristics of the disease identified during the examination, the following therapeutic measures may be prescribed.
Surgical Treatment
Surgical removal of insulinoma is often recommended for solitary tumors, with more than 90% of patients not requiring further treatment after surgery. In rare cases of multiple tumors, part of the pancreas may be removed, and in the case of recurrence of multiple insulinomas, the entire pancreas may be removed.
Removal of the entire pancreas, known as pancreatectomy, leads to diabetes, as the body no longer produces insulin. In this case, insulin injections are necessary.
Chemotherapy
If the disease is malignant and cancer cells are confirmed in the tumor, the patient is prescribed a course of chemotherapy. The Ichilov clinic uses modern cytostatic drugs that stop the growth of malignant formations and reduce the size of the tumor before surgery. Treatment is also prescribed for patients who are not candidates for surgical intervention.
Radiofrequency Ablation
This method is used to remove small tumors as an alternative to full surgical operation. Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive method, less traumatic, and allows for a quick recovery. During the procedure, sensors of electric current are applied to the tumor. Discharges heat the tumor tissues to the temperature of destruction.
Drug Therapy
For inoperable tumors, patients are prescribed drug therapy to prevent hypoglycemic attacks, improve overall well-being, and alleviate other symptoms characteristic of the disease. A special diet is also prescribed to improve the patient's condition.
- Surgery in Israel
- Chemotherapy
Diagnostic Methods for the Disease
Examination at the clinic is conducted in three stages and usually takes no more than three days.
On the first day of the patient's stay at the clinic, a consultation with the attending physician is conducted. The doctor clarifies the symptoms, examines the patient, collects a complete medical history, and prescribes necessary tests to obtain an accurate picture of the disease and exclude possible pathologies.
The following types of tests may be used to make a diagnosis:
- Tests. Laboratory tests may be ordered to measure blood sugar and insulin levels. High insulin levels and low blood sugar levels will confirm the diagnosis of insulinoma.
- CT or MRI. Using computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging, insulinoma in the pancreas can be detected and assessed for cancer.
- Ultrasound. Endoscopic ultrasound may be used if standard scanning does not find the tumor.
When the examination results are ready, the attending physician gathers a medical council. During the discussion of each clinical case, a group of experts from related specialties collectively decides on the most relevant method or combination of methods. This approach improves the overall prognosis and avoids medical errors.
- Computed Tomography
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Ultrasound
How Much Does Treatment Cost in Israel
The cost of treatment is always calculated individually and depends on the complexity of the case. The final price is announced after the therapeutic plan is approved, when the full scope of necessary interventions is clear. The preliminary cost can always be learned in advance. Call our International Department at the phone number listed on the website. A medical consultant will help clarify the expected expenses and send the current price list for possible procedures.
Advantages of Treatment in Israel
Reasons why patients choose the Ichilov Medical Center:
- The Ichilov Medical Center has been accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI), confirming the safety of medical services provided to patients and the clinic's compliance with the highest international standards.
- Ichilov is ranked among the top ten clinics in the world according to Newsweek magazine and offers its patients a wide range of medical services – from the most modern diagnostic procedures to the most complex surgeries.
- A comprehensive medical approach to treating each patient and effective planning of each subsequent step allows for a reduction in the patient's stay at Ichilov and makes it as comfortable as possible for the patient, eliminating time lost waiting.
- The clinic participates in the most advanced scientific research and clinical trials in the field of medicine, allowing the center's specialists to be among the first to apply the latest developments in patient treatment.
- Prices for treatment at the clinic are 30-50% lower than in similar medical centers in the EU or the UK, making it one of the most popular centers for medical tourism.
If you or your loved ones have signs of the disease and wish to be treated at Ichilov, please contact us in any convenient way. We will help resolve all issues related to organizing your trip for treatment.