Neurosurgical Operations in Israel – Don't Miss Your Chance for Recovery

Professor Izar Fluman

Head of the Israeli Spine Surgery Center

The Ichilov Clinic is an undisputed leader among other public clinics in Israel in terms of the quality and volume of neurosurgical operations performed. Highly qualified specialists with many years of experience, the latest diagnostic and surgical equipment, and other components create all the conditions necessary for the successful execution of any interventions on blood vessels, the brain, and the spinal cord.

For example, in the treatment of intervertebral disc hernias, Ichilov neurosurgeons have long been using cold plasma nucleoplasty. This minimally invasive procedure eliminates any protrusions of the intervertebral disc using microelectrodes, without incisions or stitches. Compared to the classical procedure, cold plasma nucleoplasty is a true lifesaver even for patients with a number of comorbidities. It is also worth highlighting VNS therapy – an innovative method for treating drug-resistant epilepsy of any origin. A special sensor is implanted under the skin to monitor the electrical activity of the brain and prevent the occurrence of new seizures.

It should also be noted that the cost of surgery with Israeli neurosurgeons is significantly lower than that of similarly high-level specialists in Europe and the USA. You can personally verify this by simply leaving a request in the chat window. An online administrator will promptly provide you with the clinic's price list with current rates for all consultations and procedures.

Get Prices at the Clinic

5000

foreign patients are treated annually at the Top Ichilov clinic

82%

successful cases of treatment with conservative methods

1230

procedures using the modern Da Vinci system

Neurosurgery Operations in Israel: Types

Most neurosurgical operations are planned; however, this does not mean that their execution should be delayed. For example, progressive osteochondrosis with multiple areas of destruction or herniated protrusions can lead to compression of nerve roots and the development of paralysis. Uncontrolled epilepsy or hydrocephalus in children can lead to delays in mental development and may also cause rupture of large intracerebral vessels.

However, timely consultation with a competent specialist can help avoid complications and overcome the disease. The neurosurgeons at the clinic carefully consider all patient characteristics, thereby minimizing the risks associated with the operation. The following types of interventions are performed at the clinic:

• Normalization of intracranial pressure – treatment of hydrocephalus of any origin is performed by installing a special shunt. This hypoallergenic silicone conduit has one end placed in the ventricle lumen, while the other is subcutaneously led into the abdominal or thoracic cavity. The excess cerebrospinal fluid is gradually drained, intracranial pressure normalizes, followed by the disappearance of headaches, epileptic seizures, perceptual disturbances, and other associated pathologies. The shunt is sterile and durable, which eliminates the risk of infection, rejection, or other side effects.
• Treatment of malignant tumors – in the treatment of oncological neurological pathologies (glioblastomas, metastases, etc.), Israeli neurosurgeons use various innovations. For example, surgical excision of tumors is performed using the Da Vinci robotic assistant. Its manipulators are equipped with various functional attachments, and a complex external control system ensures precise execution of manipulations. If the tumor is located near vital regulatory centers or blood vessels, the intervention is performed using the CyberKnife. This special model of a linear accelerator provides precisely targeted destruction of malignant cells with a concentrated stream of ionizing radiation. In just a few sessions, malignant cells are destroyed, and the surrounding area is "sterilized" from foci of rejection, eliminating the risk of local recurrence.
• Elimination of vascular malformations – aneurysms, stenoses, and other anomalies of intracerebral vessels are eliminated by the neurosurgeons at Top Ichilov using two methods. Classical clipping is performed through mini-trepanation over the area of the vessel. The doctor places a titanium clip on the aneurysm, subsequently blocking blood flow through it. If the aneurysm has multiple cavities, is located in the carotid artery, or the patient has a number of contraindications, coiling is performed. This is a minimally invasive manipulation: a catheter with a special foam is brought to the focus through a puncture in a large vessel. The substance fills the aneurysm space, and after hardening, "turns it off" from the general blood flow.
• Removal of benign tumors – meningiomas, gliomas, and other benign neoplasms are often excised using endoscopic craniotomy. However, if the tumor affects functionally important areas (speech center, hand motor skills, etc.), Israeli neurosurgeons perform awake craniotomy. This technique involves active interaction between the surgeon and the patient during the operation. As the tumor is excised, the surgeon asks the patient to name a color, read a sentence, answer a simple question, etc. This prevents damage to important areas, thereby avoiding the development of neurological deficits.
• Functional neurosurgery – this concept includes various auxiliary mini-operations aimed at eliminating a number of life-threatening or progressive symptoms. For example, VNS therapy is used to treat drug-resistant epilepsy, commissurotomy is performed to eliminate tremors in Parkinson's disease, and a baclofen pump is installed to relieve pathological tone and eliminate pain in cerebral palsy and other central origin muscle tone disorders.
• Spinal surgeries – in Israel a full range of interventions on various components of the spinal column is performed. For example, to eliminate intervertebral disc hernias, minimally invasive cold plasma nucleoplasty or laser vaporization is conducted. During the manipulation, not only is the pathological protrusion eliminated, but the wall of the disc is also strengthened, preventing the reformation of hernias. If there is instability of the vertebrae due to trauma or curvature, neurosurgeons perform a spinal fusion procedure. Using a special Zip Ultra system, they securely fix adjacent vertebrae at a certain distance. In this case, a titanium framework of bolts takes on the supporting function, "offloading" the damaged vertebrae. Various reconstructive surgeries are also performed at Ichilov: disc prosthetics, restoration of the integrity of vertebral bodies using special bio-cement, reconstruction of the normal axis of the spine in scoliosis.

How Much Does Neurosurgical Intervention Cost in Israel