From 30,000 to 50,000 patients come to Israel each year for treatment, as Israel has a reputation as a world leader in medicine. It is home to many world-renowned doctors. Foreign specialists consider it an honor to work in Israeli clinics. After all, medical centers there can offer the highest concentration of modern equipment; access to research platforms developing and implementing medical innovations, and resources necessary to provide the most effective medical care. Many global healthcare innovations are developed in Israel and are available to patients before approval by the EU or FDA.
Israel is among the countries with the highest level of diagnostic accuracy in the world. The qualifications of doctors, equipment, and examination methods allow for an accuracy of 99%.
Treatment in Israeli hospitals is conducted in accordance with international standards. This is confirmed by the fact that 30 clinics, including the Ichilov Medical Center, have received the most prestigious JCI accreditation. The high level of medical services provided in Israel is confirmed not only by authoritative international organizations but also by patient reviews, which can be found in the relevant section of the website.
About the disease
Thornwald's disease is inflammation or abscess of the embryonic cyst of the pharyngeal pouch. Symptoms usually appear with inflammation of the pharyngeal pouch, causing Thornwald's cyst. This occurs due to spontaneous drainage into the nasopharyngeal cavity or due to involvement of nerve plexuses. Symptoms include occipital headache, cough, effusion in the middle ear, cervical myalgia, and halitosis (bad breath). Enlargement of the cyst causes nasal congestion, foul-smelling nasal discharge, obstruction of the Eustachian tube leading to otalgia and secretory otitis media, retro-orbital pain.
The cause of Thornwald's disease can be many different pathogens and factors – pathogenic microbes, decreased local immunity, excessive alcohol and tobacco consumption, frequent exposure to high temperatures, malnutrition, chronic diseases of the heart, kidneys, joints, poor living and working conditions, contact with dust and harmful gases.
Treatment methods for Thornwald's cyst
As long as the cysts do not cause symptoms, a strategy of observation and monitoring is applied. When symptoms appear, regardless of the size of the Thornwald's cyst, surgical removal is required.
Surgery
During the operation, complete excision of the cyst and evacuation of its contents is performed. The prognosis for treating Thornwald's cyst is considered favorable. Thanks to the professionalism of Israeli doctors and the use of modern navigation equipment, the operation is performed without complications.
Types of surgical resection of Thornwald's cyst:
Endoscopic removal. Most often, the surgical operation for the removal of Thornwald's cyst is performed using an endoscope. Nasal endoscopic control provides excellent visualization during the operation and is the preferred method for treating large Thornwald's cysts.- Laser removal of the cyst is also considered one of the most effective and safe methods for resection of medium and small cysts. This operation is usually performed under local anesthesia.
- At the discretion of the doctor, surgical excision of the cyst using a scalpel may also be performed.
Removed tissues are mandatory sent for histological examination to rule out oncology characteristic of this localization.
Diagnostic methods for the disease
Even the most complex diagnosis at the Ichilov clinic takes no more than 4 days and is always planned in advance. The diagnostic process usually consists of three main stages.
Consultation
Upon arrival at the clinic, the patient immediately goes for a consultation with the attending physician. The doctor conducts an examination, studies the medical documentation provided by the patient, clarifies symptoms, and prescribes a series of diagnostic studies necessary to make an accurate diagnosis and learn as much as possible about the patient's overall condition.
Investigations:
- Complete blood count.
- Endoscopic examination of the nasopharynx.
- Pharyngoscopy.
- Rhinoscopy.
- MRI of the nasopharynx.
- CT of the nasopharynx.
Consultation
Upon readiness of the results, the attending physician gathers a medical consultation, which includes doctors of related specialties. This approach allows for consideration of all nuances of the patient's condition and improves the overall prognosis.
- Computed Tomography
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
How much does treatment cost in Israel
The cost of treatment in Israel, as well as at the Ichilov clinic, depends on many factors and, as a rule, the exact price of the upcoming therapy can only be determined after thorough diagnostics at the Israeli clinic.
The main factors that may differ from case to case and affect the price:
- The patient's condition upon arrival in Israel.
- Necessary diagnostic studies.
- Types of medical and surgical treatments.
- Duration of necessary procedures.
- Cost of accommodation and meals.
- Doctors' fees.
It is also worth noting that Israel offers high-level medical services at prices that are on average 30-50% lower than those in American or European clinics. There are countries that offer cheaper medical care than in Israel, such as Turkey, Greece, or others. However, it is important to note that these countries are still far from the level of medicine in Israel, the USA, or Europe. Consequently, the prices for treatment there are comparatively low. The patient must decide for themselves what is more important, cost or quality of medical services.
Advantages of treatment at Ichilov
The main reasons why patients choose the Israeli Ichilov clinic:
- The clinic provides quality medical services that meet the standards of Western medicine.
- The doctors at the clinic adhere to the concept of personalized medicine. Each patient can expect an individual selection of the most effective treatment methods.
- All procedures are performed under one roof. The technological infrastructure of Ichilov includes modern CT scanners, MRI machines, hybrid operating rooms, and laboratories, robotic technology.
- The overall cost of treatment at Ichilov is often lower than at other medical institutions in Israel.
If you have signs of the disease and wish to consult an Israeli otolaryngologist, please contact us in any way convenient for you. We will help you choose the right specialist and organize direct communication with them as soon as possible.