59-year-old Yehuda, diving in the Kishon River as part of his military service, became cancerous and was released only one day from her son "J Ichilov after the innovative treatment that saved his life"

• Photo: Lior Tzur, Ichilov spokesmen

Yehuda Haber was a sailing fighter who dived in the Kishon River. He recently had cancer when the tumor sat deep in the brain at a location that required a large, complex and open brain surgery with all the dangers inherent in it. Now, using technology available at Ichilov, Yehuda is the first patient in Israel to undergo tumor removal using a tiny, invasive approach using advanced MRI-guided laser technology.

The tumor was removed in its entirety and Judah was released home the next day. "I heard that it was a head tumor I was sure my life was over, because the tumor also doubled in less than a month. I can't believe they were able to save my life with such technology without pain or suffering and with such success. I have no words to thank Ichilov's doctors who saved my life."

Yehuda Haber, 59, of Hefer Valley, was diagnosed with cancer of the brain about twenty years ago. "The sky fell on me. I dived in the damn Kishon and even when the gospel arrived, it was very difficult to digest. I saw what some 500 of my gunmen went through, of which more than 100 died (out of 1000 total fighters) and I was afraid of a similar fate."

Dr. Strauss, Yehuda Haber and Dr. Grossman // Photo: Lior Tzur, Ichilov spokeswomen

"Throughout the years, the growth has been steady but in recent months a small area has appeared in the tumor that appeared to have a high degree of malignancy. The same tumor doubled within a month and it was clear that the tumor needed immediate treatment to save my life," explained Haber.

The bar was addressed to Dr. Racheli Grossman, Deputy Director of the Ichilov Neurosurgery Department. "Judah's tumor was 2 inches, but located deep in the brain in a critical functional area," Dr. Grossman explains.

Conventional brain tumors incorporate tumor neurosurgical resection and radiation oncology and chemotherapy. The tumor is removed by craniotomy, the opening of the skull, and a precise microsurgical resection of the tumor with the aid of surgical microscope and advanced monitoring systems. Dr. Grossman discussed with the patient about the treatment options and raised another untreated treatment option in Israel: burning the tumor using a laser beam under the guidance of an MRI.

"I was offered several options for treatment, but as soon as I heard about the possibility of the laser, I knew there was no question at all and I had to try it, because it was the least dangerous and invasive and the only solution that was relevant to me," emphasizes Yehuda.

Photo: Lior Tzur, Ichilov spokesmen

Indeed, a few days ago, Yehuda came to the operating room into the surgeons' beliefs: Dr. Grossman and Dr. Ido Strauss, director of the Functional Neurosurgery Unit of the Neurosurgery Unit at Tel Aviv Medical Center.

"Innovative laser technology enables laser bursting of focal depths through an invasive tiny access through a tiny number of skull drill holes. The procedure is performed using a technology called Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (LITT) using Medtronic's Visualase ™ device. Combines invasive tiny laser technologies and advanced MRI scanning, allowing real-time control of the size of the brain area burned while accurately controlling the increase in temperature that results in its destruction.

The treatment process involves the first stage of delicate optic fiber transplantation to the tumor center in an operating room using a special navigation system and through a tiny 3 mm diameter skull hole. In the second MRI device, the optical fiber is connected to the Visualase ™ system.

The burn itself is performed when the patient is anesthetized within the MRI device with continuous real-time monitoring of brain temperature changes and strict control over the size of the burned area. In this way, brain areas close to the burn area can be maintained that can be responsible for critical functions, "explains Dr. Strauss.

Yehuda underwent the surgery with great success. The tumor burned in its entirety and Judah returned home the next day. This morning, he wants to thank those who took care of him and helped save his life. "I arrived with a foot and a half in the grave, and woke up from surgery as if there was no immediate threat to my life. So far, I do not believe that they have been able to save my life with such technology without pain or suffering and with such success. I have no words to thank the Ichilov doctors who saved my life." .

Prof. Zvika Ram, director of the neurosurgical department at Ichilov Hospital, emphasizes that "this technology is a breakthrough and an important therapeutic alternative for patients suffering from a variety of neurological diseases, including epilepsy and brain tumors, which are suitable for this operation. From now on, available in Israel to all relevant patients suitable for this method of treatment. "