Spinal Surgery in Tel Aviv

Spinal surgery is any surgical procedure performed to correct possible structural abnormalities. Surgeons can move, fix, decompress, and, if necessary, replace vertebral structures through spinal surgery. This is only considered when conservative, non-surgical treatments have not worked and the pain remains persistent, preventing patients from living a normal life and reducing their quality of life. Some common conditions that may require spinal surgery are spinal deformation, compression of the spinal cord, herniated discs, and tumors of the spinal cord, cauda equine syndrome, vertebral fractures, and degenerative disc disease.

There are numerous types of spinal surgery. The type of surgery you will receive depends on your disease or injury, the location, the level of damage, as well as your own characteristics. Some of the most common types of spinal surgery are as follows:

• Spinal fusion – during spinal fusion, your surgeon will join spinal bones (vertebrae) together to prevent pain caused by their movement against each other.
• Discectomy – your surgeon removes part of or the entire disc that slips out of place presses on a spinal nerve, and cause back pain.
• Laminectomy – most commonly used for lumbar spinal stenosis, this surgery involves the removal of parts of the bone, ligaments, or bone spurs in the back to relieve pressure on spinal nerves and ease the pain.
• Disc replacement – your surgeon removes the damaged spinal disc and replaces it with an artificial one.
• Foraminotomy – bones at the sides of your vertebrae is cut away to widen the space where nerves exit the spine. Like laminectomy, this is done to relieve pressure on a compressed nerve and ease pain.
• Interlaminar implant –a U-shaped device is implanted between two vertebrae in your lower back to ease pressure on your spinal nerves by keeping the space between the vertebrae open. This is a minimally invasive alternative to laminectomy.

How Long Should I Stay in Tel Aviv?

You may need to stay in Tel Aviv for at least 10 to 14 days following your surgery to allow for your body to recover and attend follow-up checkups, if necessary. During the follow-up checkup, your overall condition will be monitored and the surgical stitches will be removed. 

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

Recovery depends on the specific disease/injury you have, the type of spinal surgery you underwent, and your overall health. If you are healthy and your job is not physically demanding, you may be allowed to go back to work within 4 to 6 weeks following surgery. However, it takes at least 3 to 4 months for the bones to heal, and healing can continue for at least a year. During this period, there might be some restrictions on your activity. Remember, the recovery period is just as important as the surgery.

What Aftercare is Required?

Following all the instructions and recommendations provided by your surgical team is important to avoid complications and speed up your recovery process. You may need physical therapy following your surgery, which is aimed to restore the strength of your spine and help you return to everyday activities gradually. In certain cases, you may also need regular checkups. You can choose to undergo physical therapy and/or regular checkup at home in your local hospital if you prefer.

What's the Success Rate?

The success rate of spinal surgery, in terms of pain relief, is around 70% to 90%, depending on the type of surgery and the condition treated. The success and safety rate of spinal surgery is higher than it used to be and will continue to increase, thanks to the continuous advancement of spinal surgery. For example, today, many types of spinal surgery can be done minimally invasively. This means that no long incisions are needed, leading to shorter operative and recovery times. Still, there are risks you need to be aware of, such as bleeding, infection, blood clots, and persistent pain.

Are there Alternatives?

Spinal surgery is only considered when other treatments have not worked. If you do not want surgery, make sure to discuss this with your doctor for the best possible alternative. When surgery is not needed, you may take a pain reliever or even try acupuncture to help relieve the pain. 

Spinal Surgery in and around Tel Aviv

About Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv-Yafo commonly referred to as just Tel Aviv, is the economic and technological center of Israel. Located on the Israeli Mediterranean coastline, the city is popular for its glimmering beaches, creative culture, non-stop nightlife, and architectural heritage. As Israel is becoming a popular medical tourism hub, thousands of medical tourists who seek medical treatments in this country choose Tel Aviv as their destination. The city’s medical system, as well as its doctors and medical professionals, are world-renowned. It boasts some of the finest medical centers, staffed with highly trained doctors and nurses. International tourists looking for world-class, innovative medical treatments can get any procedure they need for a fraction of the cost they would have to pay in their home countries.

Popular Parts of Tel Aviv

There’s no shortage of activities in Tel Aviv. With at least 300 days of sun per year, this hip and bustling city offer shimmering beaches for any sun-chaser. Gordon Beach is one of the most popular in the city. It boasts clear blue waters, volleyball courts, and a boardwalk full of restaurants serving fresh fish and Israeli cuisine. Besides the beaches, visitors usually go to the Tel Aviv Museum of Art. This impressive gallery is set inside the modern ‘envelope’ building by American architect Preston Scott Cohen. The museum provides a lot of activities and collections to see, but the highlight is the collection of Impressionist and post-Impressionist art, which features works by Pissarro, Renoir, Monet, Picasso, Van Gogh, and many more. Visitors who want to relax can visit Park HaYarkon, which is the city’s largest green space.

Transport in Tel Aviv

International tourists will arrive at Ben Gurion Airport, which is located 20 kilometers southeast of Tel Aviv. It serves flights to and from many cities around the world, including Seoul, Amsterdam, New York, and Beijing. The city’s relatively new overground railway system is the most affordable and easiest way to get around. Buses are available, but the routes can be a bit confusing. Taxis are widely available around the city and they are easy, albeit expensive, way to get around. 

Visas in Tel Aviv

Holders of passports issued by 99 countries, including all EU countries, Canada, Russia, and the US can enter and stay in the country for up to 3 months without a visa. Most other nationals are required to obtain a visa prior to arrival and are recommended to contact their nearest embassy of Israel as some countries need a confirmation from the Israeli government before a tourist visa is issued.

Weather in Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv experience a typical Mediterranean climate. The winters are rainy and the summers are hot. The temperatures in the summer (June to August) can rise to 31°C - 34°C and the humidity can reach over 80%. Spring and fall have pleasant weather since the temperatures are not too high or low. 

Additional Info

1. Local Currency: New Israeli Shekel (ILS) is the official currency. 1 USD will get you approx. 3.5 ILS.
2. Money & Payments: It’s easy to find ATMs around the city. Credit cards are widely accepted. Tipping is common, but typically not expected.
3. Local Language: Hebrew is the official language, while Arabic has a special status as a semi-official language. Most people can speak English fairly well.
4. Local Culture and Religion: Most of the population adheres to Judaism. Islam is the largest minority religion in the city, followed by Christianity.
5. Public Holidays: The city celebrates several public holidays, such as Independence Day, Hanukkah, and Jerusalem Day.