Professor Itzhak MellerHead of the Orthopedic Oncology Department
Chronic back pain can seriously poison life. And when a person decides that it is time to take radical action, it is very important to choose a place that truly knows how to help. That is why many patients choose the Ichilov Medical Center in Tel Aviv. Here, some of the best specialists in neurosurgery and spinal surgery in Israel work. Complex decompression surgeries (when it is necessary to free compressed nerves) are performed as a well-tuned, safe process. Israeli doctors prefer minimally invasive techniques, use robot-assisted systems, and individualize treatment to eliminate unnecessary risks and achieve the most predictable results.
At Ichilov, a patient can order a personal accompaniment service, which includes assistance in organizing all stages: appointments with doctors, translation during consultations, document processing, transfers, accommodation, pharmacy, and even minor everyday issues. This allows the patient to fully focus only on health and treatment. The combination of a powerful scientific base, state-of-the-art equipment, and truly caring attitudes towards patients makes treatment here as comfortable as possible in surgery.
About the Disease
Spinal canal stenosis is a pathological narrowing of the spaces where the spinal cord and nerve roots are located, which inevitably leads to their chronic compression.
This condition arises as a result of natural degenerative processes, the growth of bone tissue, or ligament hypertrophy, creating a mechanical obstacle to the normal functioning of the nervous system.
A person experiences excruciating weakness in the legs, numbness, and pain that worsens with walking, forcing them to constantly seek support for rest. Gradual loss of sensitivity and control over movements deprives them of their usual activity, turning every movement into a serious challenge. Timely relief of compression allows stopping the destruction of nerve fibers and restoring the body's former lightness and functionality.
Treatment Methods
At Ichilov, the choice of tactics is based on precise correlation of neuroimaging data and biomechanical parameters of the spine to achieve the most stable result.
Robot-Assisted Microdiscectomy
At the stage of pronounced canal narrowing, when conservative measures no longer provide relief, intervention using the Mazor Robotics system is applied. This technology allows the surgeon to model the course of the operation in a virtual space in advance and perform canal expansion with precision to tenths of a millimeter. The use of a robotic arm eliminates the human factor and preserves important bony structures, ensuring the stability of the spinal column. Patients report the disappearance of pain almost immediately after waking up from anesthesia.
Endoscopic Laminectomy
When the disease requires immediate relief of nerve endings, Ichilov specialists prefer the endoscopic method through a puncture of less than one centimeter. A miniature camera transmits multiple magnifications of the surgical field to a monitor, allowing for the precise removal of only those tissue fragments that create pressure. This method is characterized by the absence of scarring in the area of nerve fibers and minimal trauma to the back muscles. This solution is ideal for patients who want to avoid prolonged anesthesia and heavy rehabilitation.
Dynamic Stabilization of the Spine
When moderate instability of the vertebrae is detected against the background of stenosis, Israeli surgeons implant flexible U-shaped titanium implants between the spinous processes. This device takes on part of the load, expanding the space of the spinal canal while preserving the natural mobility of the segment. Unlike rigid fusion, dynamic support prevents the destruction of adjacent discs in the future, which is critically important for long-term results. The procedure is performed through a small incision and allows the patient to stand on their feet on the same day as the operation.
Interspinous Decompression Method
In the early stages of stenosis, when pain primarily manifests during walking, a miniature spacer is installed that prevents the vertebrae from coming too close together when extending the back. The introduction of such a spacer blocks pathological narrowing of the canal during movement, instantly freeing the compressed nerve roots and relieving limping. This method is considered one of the most gentle in modern neurosurgery, as it does not require the removal of bone tissue or ligaments. The manipulation is often performed under local anesthesia, making it accessible in the presence of contraindications to general anesthesia.
Laser Reconstruction of Intervertebral Discs
In cases where stenosis is exacerbated by protrusions, laser beam exposure is used for partial evaporation of the disc nucleus and reduction of internal pressure. The energy of the laser not only reduces the volume of the bulge but also stimulates regeneration processes in the cartilage tissue, restoring its elasticity. This technology allows avoiding the installation of massive metal structures, preserving the natural mobility of the segment. This approach is especially valued for its gentle impact and high safety for surrounding structures.
Epiduroscopy and Adhesiolysis
In the development of adhesions within the canal, which often accompanies advanced stenosis, Ichilov specialists use visual inspection of the space through the thinnest flexible endoscope. Doctors introduce instruments for the mechanical separation of adhesions and targeted delivery of anti-edema glucocorticoid drugs to the affected roots. This method allows effectively "clearing" the space around the spinal cord without major surgery, restoring the patient’s freedom of movement. The procedure is monitored in real-time, eliminating the risk of nerve tissue damage.
Radiofrequency Ablation of Facet Nerves
In cases of severe pain syndrome associated with inflammation of the spinal joints against the background of stenosis, a method of targeted thermal energy application is used. A thin electrode is brought to the sensitive nerves and blocks the transmission of pain impulses, allowing the person to return to active physical exercise. This manipulation is performed on an outpatient basis and does not require incisions, providing a prolonged period of comfort. The method serves as an excellent complement to the main therapy, helping to quickly relieve muscle spasms.
Stem Cell and PRP Regenerative Therapy
As an adjunct method for restoring damaged nerve fibers, injections of the patient’s own plasma or mesenchymal cells are used. The biologically active concentrate is injected directly into the stenosis zone under navigation control to initiate natural healing processes and relieve chronic inflammation. This approach significantly improves nerve conductivity and accelerates the return of sensitivity in numb limbs. The combination of cell technologies with minimally invasive surgery allows restoring functions that were previously considered lost.
Modern Medication Therapy
The systemic approach includes the use of neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory drugs of the latest generation to improve the conductivity of nerve impulses. Doctors select combinations that directly affect the cause of edema in the stenosis zone without harming internal organs. Prolonged support with these substances helps consolidate the success of surgical intervention and accelerate rehabilitation. Careful monitoring of the condition allows timely adjustment of dosages to achieve peak effect.
- Stem Cell Treatment
- Spine Surgery in Israel
- Ablation
- Robot-Assisted Surgeries
Diagnostic Methods for the Disease
A precise understanding of the architecture of canal narrowing is the key to success, so at Ichilov, diagnostics are performed on 3 Tesla MRI and CT machines, which eliminates the slightest inaccuracies. All stages of examination are clearly coordinated and take minimal time, allowing treatment to begin without delay.
First Day
On the day of arrival, the patient is directed to a primary meeting with the leading neurosurgeon of the clinic, who conducts detailed testing of reflexes and muscle strength. The doctor analyzes the medical history, studies the nature of complaints, and creates a detailed schedule of diagnostic activities necessary to assess the degree of compression. Personal contact at this stage helps relieve psychological tension and provides answers to all questions about the upcoming process.
Second Day
To form a complete clinical picture, a complex of laboratory and imaging tests is performed using expert equipment.
- Clinical and biochemical blood profiles
- Coagulogram and assessment of electrolyte balance
- High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging
- Multi-slice computed tomography
- Myelography to assess cerebrospinal fluid dynamics
- Electroneuromyography of the limbs
- X-ray of the spine with functional tests
Third Day
The final step is a medical council, where doctors from related specialties discuss the results of images and tests. This interdisciplinary approach guarantees the selection of the most relevant strategy that will ensure long-term results and eliminate the risks of repeated interventions. The patient receives a ready treatment plan with a detailed description of each planned manipulation.
Diagnostic Procedures
- Computed Tomography
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- X-ray
- Blood Biochemistry
How Much Does Treatment Cost in Israel
The cost of the therapy course depends on the chosen intervention method, the need for implants, and the total time spent in the medical center. The final figure is influenced by the complexity of surgical access and the need to involve specialized rehabilitation specialists.
To obtain an accurate calculation for a specific case, it is necessary to contact a consultant by phone, as indicated on the website. The specialist will provide a complete calculation, answer organizational questions, and help plan the visit.
Advantages of Treatment in Israel
- Leading world neurosurgeons with unique experience in performing minimally invasive surgeries.
- Ultra-modern navigation
- Innovative accelerated rehabilitation protocols for a quick return to activity.
- Safe and durable biocompatible materials for spinal stabilization.
- High level of service and personal support at every stage of the medical journey.
Even before leaving home, there is an opportunity to organize a remote consultation with a specialized Israeli expert. Based on the results of the video call, the patient receives well-founded recommendations, answers to key questions, and complete information about the most relevant technologies for solving their problem.