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Ichilov Medical Center
Neurosurgery

Spinal Surgery in Israel: Minimal Risks, Maximum Results

Spinal Surgery in IsraelNew surgical technologies, innovative surgical techniques, ultra-reliable robotic systems, and neuro-navigation systems allow for spinal surgeries in Israel with minimal risks for the patient. The effectiveness of spinal surgery in Israel is significantly higher than in CIS countries: robotic surgeries are successful in 98% of cases, and micro-surgical interventions for hernias achieve 90% effectiveness.

Such high indicators are the result of not only the technologies but also the people – spinal surgeons, whose level of competence is beyond doubt. It is no wonder that patients come for treatment not only from countries with underdeveloped medicine but also from highly developed ones. Their positive feedback about spinal surgery in Israel serves as the best recommendation for treatment in this country.

Surgical Methods Used in Israeli Clinics

According to statistics, over 80% of patients suffering from spinal diseases are treated in Ichilov without surgery, using only conservative methods. However, if these methods do not yield results or if the nature of the disease is such that it does not allow hope for successful conservative treatment, Israeli doctors perform surgery. In particular, surgery is required for patients with the following pathologies:

  • compression processes in the spinal cord due to intervertebral hernia, stenosis, or other pathologies;
  • pain syndrome of various origins that is not alleviated by medication;
  • severe stage of scoliosis;
  • deformation of the spinal column of various origins;
  • benign and malignant spinal tumours;
  • compression fractures and spinal injuries;
  • destruction of the intervertebral disc with the extrusion of its contents;
  • reconstructive surgeries after purulent-inflammatory processes.

Spinal Surgery in Israel

Spinal surgery in Israeli clinics is performed using the most gentle methods, without significant surgical incisions, preserving the integrity of the spine. If there is a defect in the vertebra, it is corrected using new technologies of autologous bone tissue transplantation or modern biocompatible implants.

Micro-surgery for Intervertebral Hernias.

If the hernia is small in size, surgeons resort to microdiscectomy – a procedure with minimal trauma, with complete recovery occurring in 90% of cases. To access the damaged vertebra, the surgeon makes a small incision in the tissues, through which the necessary micro-surgical instruments are delivered to the area of pathology. The advantages of this operation are that the integrity of the spine is not violated, and the muscles are not cut but gently moved aside. Special, very thin and long instruments do not damage the nerves, allowing the doctor to relieve the compression of the nerve root caused by the hernia. The operation is performed under general anesthesia.

Balloon Kyphoplasty.

In cases of vertebral deformations, to restore their original appearance, a procedure is performed that is maximally safe and effective: over 90% of patients diagnosed with a compression fracture immediately after the operation or within a few weeks cease to suffer from pain, and about 80% fully recover. At the beginning of the operation, the doctor makes a puncture in the skin over the damaged vertebra, through which a special guiding catheter is inserted, with a balloon attached at the end in a folded state. Once the balloon reaches the damaged vertebra, it is inflated, causing the walls of the vertebra to straighten and take on their original shape. Then, to prevent re-deformation of the vertebra, the formed cavity is filled with medical cement – a special substance that is biocompatible with human tissues.

Vertebroplasty.

A method that has shown high effectiveness in treating osteoporosis, compression fractures, and benign tumours. The damaged vertebra is reinforced with bone cement, preventing further destruction of the vertebra. The material is injected into the vertebra under X-ray control, without cutting the tissues, using a special needle. To monitor the accuracy of the procedures, a spinal neuro-navigation system O-Arm may be used – equipment that captures the course of the operation from different angles and provides a volumetric, greatly enlarged image.

Endoscopic Surgery for Spinal Tumours.

Previously, the removal of spinal neoplasms was fraught with risks of severe complications, as a wide incision was made in the tissues, damaging muscles, nerve endings, and blood vessels. Currently, in Israel, preference is given to the endoscopic method of performing the operation, through small incisions in the area of the spine where the neoplasm is found. After the neoplasm is removed, the resulting defect is eliminated using medical cement or the patient's own bone tissue taken from another part of the body. If the damage is significant, vertebral prosthetics are performed. Minimally invasive spinal surgery reduces blood loss, and the recovery period after it is measured in days rather than weeks.

Nucleoplasty.

A type of treatment for intervertebral hernia, in which cold plasma is used: it acts on the protruded area of the disc nucleus. Cold plasma is delivered to the area of pathology through a puncture: it causes the damaged tissue to evaporate, eliminating the pathology and relieving the patient of pain.

Spinal Fusion.

This is the name of the operation in which two adjacent vertebrae are fused to prevent excessive mobility of the spine. The spinal surgeon installs a special metal structure through minimal tissue incisions. The use of the Spine Assist surgical robot makes the operation maximally safe. If there were previously cases of incorrect installation of the structure, leading to vascular or neurological complications, now, with the help of Spine Assist, the installation is maximally accurate. Before the operation, computer modeling of its course and each stage is performed.

Vertebral Prosthetics.

Spinal Surgery in IsraelIf it is impossible to restore the damaged vertebra, it is replaced with a high-quality implant. After its installation, the patient retains spinal mobility and can lead a normal life. The shape of the implant is selected using a computer: an accurate three-dimensional model of the vertebra is created. The operation itself is performed endoscopically: the implant is installed through small incisions, without extensive tissue damage. Innovative neuro-navigation equipment is used during the operation, allowing for the most precise prosthetics.

How Much Does Spinal Surgery Cost in Israel

The cost of spinal surgery is clarified after diagnostics in Israel and depends on the type of surgery chosen, the number of days the patient will need to spend in the hospital, and the medications required during and after the operation.

The success rate of spinal surgeries in Israel is the same as in America and Western Europe, but the patient pays 30-50% less in Israel. At the preparation stage for the trip, while the patient is still at home, they can find out the approximate cost of spinal treatment by filling out a request on the website and sending copies of any medical documents they have.

  • Spinal Canal Stenosis

Advantages of Spinal Surgery in Israel

  • High chances of fully or maximally restoring spinal mobility, relieving pain, and avoiding disability
  • Absence of severe complications after minimally invasive surgeries, which may occur with outdated methods
  • Competence and high professionalism of spinal surgeons in Israel
  • Precision of intervention ensured by innovative surgical equipment
  • Ability to receive treatment in the shortest possible time after submitting a request.

To learn more about how to get treatment, you should submit a request on the website.

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