Professor Zamir Galperinleading gastroenterologist
For individuals suffering from cholelithiasis, the doctors at the Top Ichilov Clinic are capable of providing highly qualified and, most importantly, truly effective medical assistance. The vast practical experience and the application of modern therapeutic techniques allow Israeli specialists to successfully combat gallstones at any stage of progression, and in the overwhelming majority of cases, they manage to avoid performing open traumatic surgeries.
Top Ichilov also employs innovative non-surgical techniques for fragmenting stones using shock wave therapy and special medicinal solutions. At early stages of the disease, this is the most optimal solution that yields good results in a short time, without pain or any other complications. Stones from the gallbladder are primarily removed here using minimally invasive laparoscopic methods, allowing patients to tolerate the procedures well and recover very quickly.
How gallstones are treated at Top Ichilov Clinic
Treatment methods are tailored individually for each patient, based on the specifics of the clinical picture of the disease and their overall health status. The use of a personalized approach allows the doctors at Top Ichilov to quickly alleviate painful symptoms, completely remove all stones, and prevent their formation in the future.
- Medication therapy. Pain relief for gallbladder colics, which often occur due to obstruction of the bile ducts, is aided by analgesics and antispasmodic medications. In some cases, novocaine blocks of the round ligament of the liver are prescribed to eliminate pain syndrome. Symptomatic treatment of the pathology may also include the use of antibiotics (in the case of an inflammatory process) and medications based on bile acids that help reduce the size of stones, thereby facilitating their natural elimination from the body.
- Diet therapy. Proper nutrition helps patients not only avoid painful attacks but also slow the progression of the disease. First and foremost, the diet for gallstone disease implies the exclusion of fatty foods from the diet – their consumption can lead to excessive secretion of cholesterol into the bile and, consequently, an increase in the size of stones. It is also recommended to avoid confectionery, alcohol, carbonated drinks, smoked foods, pickles, and spicy products. Adhering to the diet will significantly alleviate the symptoms of the disease and prevent the development of complications.
- Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy. Small stones, up to 1 cm in diameter, are removed by Israeli specialists using a non-invasive method, through remote impact on the gallbladder with shock waves. As a result, they are broken down into small fragments, which are then naturally expelled from the organ (to facilitate this process, medications containing ursodeoxycholic acid may also be prescribed).
- Percutaneous transhepatic chololitholysis. An innovative minimally invasive method for treating gallstone disease, which involves dissolving stones with special medications. These are introduced directly into the gallbladder via a catheter and help eliminate about 90% of stones within a few weeks (provided their size does not exceed 2 cm). One of the main advantages of this procedure is that it is effective for both cholesterol and other types of stones.
- Surgical treatment. Removal of stones from the gallbladder in Israel is primarily performed using laparoscopic methods, through just a few small punctures in the abdomen. The main advantages of this approach are minimal damage to healthy tissues, a less painful postoperative period, and quick recovery. Depending on the size and location of the stones, the doctors at Top Ichilov practice different surgical treatment methods for gallstone disease. The most radical and effective of these is the removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy). In cases requiring special precision in manipulation, Israeli specialists perform surgical interventions using the Da Vinci robotic-assisted system.
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Diagnosis of gallstone disease in Israel
At the Top Ichilov Medical Center, a complete examination can be completed in just 3-4 days. Patients from abroad can also take advantage of the “Second Opinion” service in advance. To do this, it is sufficient to send the results of all previously conducted diagnostic procedures to a representative of the hospital, after which one of the leading Israeli specialists will analyze them. The doctor will then conduct a video consultation via Skype, during which they will present their findings and discuss possible treatment options. If the patient requires further diagnostic clarification in Israel, the first in-person consultation with the doctor will be free.
Examination and consultation
Immediately upon arrival in Israel, the patient, accompanied by a personal curator-translator, goes for an appointment with a leading specialist in the gastroenterology department. The doctor conducts a basic physical examination, reviews the medical history, and then develops a plan for further diagnostics.
Conducting studies
At Top Ichilov, patients can undergo highly accurate diagnostic procedures such as:
- Ultrasound of the gallbladder and bile ducts.
- Magnetic resonance imaging.
- Computed tomography.
- Laboratory blood, urine, and stool tests.
- Hepatobiliary scintigraphy.
- Cholangiography.
- Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.
Expert conclusion
After consulting with colleagues in the department, the attending physician establishes the final diagnosis and develops an individual therapeutic program for the patient.
Cost of gallstone treatment in Israel
The exact amount can only be calculated by the doctors after conducting diagnostics and determining the most suitable procedures for the specific case. However, it can be noted that the cost of gallstone treatment in Israel will definitely be lower than in the USA or Western European countries. Medical services in Israeli clinics are on average 25-45% cheaper, while their quality remains equally high.
Advantages of treatment at Top Ichilov
- State-of-the-art medical equipment for diagnostics and treatment procedures.
- Highly qualified doctors with many years of clinical experience.
- 100% accurate diagnosis established in just three to four days.
- Use of the most progressive, minimally invasive therapeutic techniques.
- Affordable prices and no advance payments.
- Comfortable conditions and support from a personal case manager.
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