Français
Español
English
Portuguese
Officials hailed the achievement as “a milestone in patient-centered neurosurgery” and described it as a “medical breakthrough.”
By Shula Rosen
Israeli surgeons have completed a pioneering procedure by removing a skull base tumor through a patient’s eye socket, marking the country’s first minimally invasive brain surgery of its kind.
The operation was carried out on July 21 at Ichilov Medical Center in Tel Aviv by a team of neurosurgery, oculoplastic, and ear, nose, and throat specialists.
The young patient, according to the hospital, recovered quickly with little impact on vision or facial appearance.
Officials hailed the achievement as “a milestone in patient-centered neurosurgery” and described it as a “medical breakthrough.”
Photos released by Ichilov showed the surgical team during the procedure and later gathered in celebration of its success.
Similar advancements have been reported abroad. In May, physicians at the University of Maryland Medical Centre removed a spinal tumor through the eye socket of a 19-year-old patient, who went on to make a full recovery.
Earlier this year, Leeds Teaching Hospitals in the UK performed its first eye-socket keyhole brain surgery using advanced 3D modeling, which shortened recovery time to three months.
Skull base tumors grow at the bottom of the skull, a critical region that contains the brainstem, cranial nerves, and major blood vessels.
They may be benign or malignant and can interfere with essential functions such as balance, vision, hearing, and facial sensation.
Treatment often requires surgical removal, with two main approaches available. Minimally invasive surgery accesses the tumor through natural openings like the nostrils or eyelid, significantly reducing recovery time, scarring, and postoperative pain.
This method is particularly effective for tumors in the pituitary gland, paranasal sinuses, or cavernous sinus.
Traditional open surgery, by contrast, uses larger incisions such as an eyebrow craniotomy. While more invasive, it remains necessary for tumors in difficult-to-reach areas not safely accessible by endoscopy.
Israel’s entry into this field of advanced neurosurgery positions its medical teams alongside leading international centers adopting innovative approaches to treating complex brain conditions.
Do You Love Israel? Make a Donation - Show Your Support!
Donate to vital charities that help protect Israeli citizens and inspire millions around the world to support Israel too!
Now more than ever, Israel needs your help to fight and win the war -- including on the battlefield of public opinion.
Antisemitism, anti-Israel bias and boycotts are out of control. Israel's enemies are inciting terror and violence against innocent Israelis and Jews around the world. Help us fight back!
