Pediatric surgery capabilities at the “Dana-Dwek” Children’s Hospital at Ichilov

Pediatric surgery covers a wide range of procedures — from simple outpatient treatments to complex reconstructive and oncological operations. Israeli specialists place particular emphasis on minimally invasive techniques, allowing children to recover faster and return to normal life sooner.

Pediatric hospital “Dana-Dwek” in Israel operate through multidisciplinary teams that include surgeons, anesthesiologists, physiotherapists, dietitians, psychologists, and social workers. This approach ensures not only high-quality medical care but also emotional support for the entire family.

The pediatric surgery department at Ichilov is headed by professor Igor Sukhotnik, one of the leading experts in this field. The department treats children from the newborn stage up to 16 years of age.

The team includes six senior surgeons, around thirty highly qualified nurses, as well as specialists in rehabilitation, nutrition, and psychosocial care.

The department has 36 beds and is equipped with modern diagnostic and surgical facilities for procedures of any complexity. The hospital’s atmosphere is designed with children in mind — cozy rooms, the possibility for parents to stay with their child, special dietary options, and comfortable living conditions.

Ichilov’s pediatric surgeons perform a broad range of operations, including:

• general pediatric surgery: treatment of inguinal and umbilical hernias, cryptorchidism, hydrocele, and abdominal and thoracic diseases. A distinctive feature of the approach is laparoscopic examination of both sides in hernia cases, which helps prevent recurrence and the need for future surgery;
• testicular surgery: early diagnosis and correction of cryptorchidism, optimally performed between 8–10 months of age;
• oncological surgery: operations for tumors of the kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, chest, and neck. Surgeons work closely with the pediatric hemato-oncology department;
• congenital malformations: treatment of diaphragmatic hernias, esophageal atresia, intestinal obstruction, and other defects. When abnormalities are detected during pregnancy, surgeons consult expectant parents together with obstetricians and geneticists;
• chronic and acute conditions: inflammatory bowel disease, gallstones, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), appendicitis, peritonitis, testicular torsion, and varicocele;
• additional procedures: circumcision, insertion of venous catheters, bronchoscopy, and biopsies.

Israeli pediatric clinic “Dana-Dwek” actively use minimally invasive technologies such as laparoscopy and thoracoscopy. These techniques allow operations through tiny incisions using a miniature camera. The advantages are clear: less pain, minimal scarring, shorter recovery times, and lower risk of complications.

The department also performs video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) — an advanced technique for treating chest diseases that significantly reduces hospital stay duration.

All operations are carried out under the supervision of experienced pediatric anesthesiologists, ensuring maximum safety even for the youngest patients.

At the Dana-Dwek children’s hospital, comfortable conditions are provided for both children and parents. Most rooms accommodate two patients, but private rooms are also available when needed. Parents can stay with their child 24/7 — folding beds and essential amenities are provided.

Nutritious meals are organized for all patients, and for infants under one year, milk formulas and purees are available. Additionally, the non-profit organization Ezer MiZion provides hot meals and snacks for parents.

• Comprehensive, team-based decision-making.
• Use of modern, minimally invasive techniques.
• Psychological support for the entire family.
• Transparent diagnostics and personalized treatment plans.
• Comfortable, child-friendly environment.

Pediatric surgery in Israel represents a unique blend of medical expertise, technological advancement, and genuine human care. The Pediatric surgery department at Ichilov is rightfully considered one of the best places where attention is given not only to a child’s health but also to the emotional well-being of both the child and their parents.

If you are considering treatment in Israel, you can send your child’s medical test results to the Ichilov Pediatric Clinic by using the form on this page.

Clinic specialists will contact you within 24–48 hours to discuss possible treatment options.