Congenital spinal defects in Israel are typically detected during prenatal screening via ultrasound, MRI, or amniocentesis. Risk factors include a family history of spinal defects, folic acid deficiency in the mother, maternal diabetes, or the use of certain medications during pregnancy. When a congenital spinal defect is diagnosed, a multidisciplinary team discusses the condition and treatment plan with the family. If the family decides to proceed with the pregnancy, no wait spinal defect surgery is often performed within the first 48 hours after birth to minimize complications.
Treatment of Congenital Spinal Defects
Congenital open spinal defects, also known as open spinal defects in Israel, refer to malformations in the spinal cord and surrounding tissues that arise during early fetal development. These defects occur when the neural tube fails to close properly, leading to a gap in the spine. This condition, commonly referred to as Spina Bifida, can range from mild forms, such as incomplete fusion of the vertebrae, to severe cases where parts of the spinal cord and nerves are exposed.
The treatment of congenital spinal defects in Israel is performed at specialized centers like the Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov), where a team of expert neurosurgeons, plastic surgeons, pediatricians, and other specialists collaborate to provide advanced care. The surgical intervention aims to close the spinal defect, prevent cerebrospinal fluid leakage, and reduce the risk of infection such as meningitis.
Indications for Surgery
Surgical Procedure
The treatment of congenital open spinal defects in Israel is performed under general anesthesia. Neurosurgeons carefully reposition the spinal cord and nerves into the spinal canal and close the defect. If necessary, a skin or muscle graft is taken to cover the exposed area. In many cases, the procedure is combined with the placement of a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt to treat associated hydrocephalus and regulate intracranial pressure.
Neurosurgery spinal defects Israel includes cutting-edge techniques and intraoperative imaging to ensure precise correction. The duration of the procedure ranges from two to six hours, depending on the complexity. The team’s goal is to prevent cerebrospinal fluid leakage, avoid infection, and provide the child with the best possible functional outcome.
Postoperative Care and Recovery
After advanced pediatric spine surgery Israel, newborns are transferred to a neonatal intensive care unit for close monitoring. Once stable, they undergo a comprehensive evaluation by a multidisciplinary team, including urologists, neurologists, and orthopedic specialists. The typical hospital stay ranges from two to three weeks.
Following discharge, children with congenital spinal defects without waiting require lifelong follow-up by neurologists, orthopedists, and rehabilitation specialists. Although surgery aims to close the defect and prevent complications, it does not restore lost nerve function below the affected area. Nonetheless, many children can achieve mobility using braces or assistive devices, and some may require a wheelchair for longer distances. Cognitive development is generally normal, and with proper support, children can attend school and participate in daily activities.
Success Rates and Risks
Treatment of open spinal defects in Israel has shown significant success, especially when performed promptly after birth. The success of the procedure depends on the severity and location of the defect. Risks include infection, bleeding, or neurological complications due to damage to the spinal cord or nerves. The risk of shunt-related complications, such as blockage or infection, is also considered, with about 15% of patients requiring revision surgery each year.
Conclusion
Thanks to advancements in advanced pediatric spine surgery in Israel, most children with congenital spinal defects in Israel can lead fulfilling lives with appropriate medical support. Early detection, no wait spinal defect surgery, and a comprehensive care plan significantly improve outcomes and reduce the risk of long-term complications.
FAQ
Israel is renowned for its quality of healthcare all over the world. The Sourasky Medical Center is at the forefront of medical care. We apply the latest and most sophisticated technologies for advanced therapeutic services and precise diagnostic testing. Our state-of-the-art facilities will ensure that you feel as comfortable as possible throughout your stay. Our English speaking exceptional doctors are esteemed internationally for their expertise and pioneering techniques, and about 90% of them have practiced or trained abroad, at leading healthcare facilities in North America or Europe.
The Medical Center complies with international standards for medical procedures, diagnostic testing, and clinical research.
We are a department within the Medical Center. All the stuff and members are employees of the Medical Center. We are not an agent. When you deal with us, you deal directly with the Medical center. Therefore, there are no extra fees or commissions on top of the price of treatments.
Tel Aviv is centrally located, an easy plane flight from Europe, Asia, Africa, and the U.S. Convenient flights are available from major cities throughout the world from a broad spectrum of airlines.
Just 20 minutes from Israel's Ben Gurion International Airport, the Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center is located in the heart of Tel Aviv, Israel's most vibrant metropolis and the center of the country's finance, commerce, arts, culture, and entertainment activities. The Medical Center is just a several-minute drive from the beautiful, relaxing beaches of the Mediterranean Sea. Tel Aviv is blessed with a comfortable climate: short, mild winters with plenty of pleasant, sunny days, delightful spring and fall seasons, and a constantly sunny summer from June through October.
Tel Aviv is a cosmopolitan city that offers so much to tourists and residents alike. With a wide array of accommodation options—from luxurious to low-budget hotels—Tel Aviv is an extremely friendly city for visitors seeking medical treatment. This European-style city offers an excellent public transportation system. There are highly accessible convenience supermarkets and coffee shops—usually open 24 hours a day—within walking distance of the Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center. There is an abundance of shopping, ranging from clothing boutiques and artisan crafts to art galleries and leading international brand shops.
Given the outstanding level of quality care, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center’s fees are surprisingly reasonable. In most instances, treatment at the Medical Center, including medical fees and travel expenses, are considerably lower than comparable medical facilities in the US or Europe.
The cost of treatment varies significantly, depending upon the type of treatment and its complexity. Please contact our Medical Tourism Center to provide the details of your required treatment and we will be happy to provide you a price quote
The price list for the various medical treatments that we offer can be found on the Israeli Ministry of Health's website.
Please refer to the column titled: Price for patient from abroad.
It is important to ensure you have the correct documentation required to enter the country. For example, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter Israel. Visitors from some countries must have a tourist visa. We recommend that you check the website of the local Israeli Consulate in your country for more specific information.
The staff at the Medical Tourism Center is ready and willing to assist you with all your needs. We will be more than happy to discuss your specific situation and provide you with any additional information regarding our medical services, doctors and facilities. If necessary we can provide you testimonials from former patients. Please feel free to contact us today.
