Doctors
World-Renowned Pediatric Neurosurgeon | Head of the Pediatric Neurosurgery Department, Ichilov Hospital (Dana-Dwek Children’s Hospital), Tel Aviv
Private consultations available at TAMC, Tel Aviv:
📞 Call: +972-73-374-6844
📧 Email: [email protected]
💬 WhatsApp: +972-52-337-3108
About the Doctor
With more than three decades of experience, Professor Shlomo Konstantini is one of Israel’s most respected pediatric neurosurgeons—and a global leader in the field. Since 1996, he has headed the Pediatric Neurosurgery Department at Ichilov Hospital, and is known for performing complex brain and spine surgeries in children, including the treatment of hydrocephalus, epilepsy, congenital malformations of the nervous system, and cranial abnormalities.
Professor Konstantini specializes in minimally invasive techniques, using state-of-the-art tools such as fiber-optic systems for brain mapping and navigation. Beyond being a skilled surgeon, he is recognized for his diagnostic acumen—often identifying issues at an early stage and recommending the most effective path forward.
Families from all over the world come to him each year for his unparalleled combination of clinical insight, surgical precision, and compassionate care.
Areas of Expertise
- Surgical treatment of congenital brain and spinal malformations
(Hydrocephalus, Craniosynostosis, Chiari malformation, Syringomyelia, Craniofacial dysplasias including Apert and Crouzon syndromes) - Removal of brain and spinal cord tumors
- Surgery for intracranial and spinal lipomas
- Reconstructive procedures following traumatic brain injuries
Education and Medical Training
- Graduated with distinction from the Hebrew University, Jerusalem – Faculty of Medicine
- Residency in adult and pediatric neurosurgery at Hadassah Medical Center
- Clinical fellowship in pediatric neurosurgery at NYU Medical Center, USA
- Active in advanced research on traumatic brain injury and cerebral ischemia
Academic and Professional Roles
- Chair of the Ethics Committee, World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies
- Secretary, European Association of Neurosurgery
- Founder and former President, International Neuroendoscopy Society
- Senior lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University
- Author of over 200 peer-reviewed publications
Memberships
- Israeli Neurosurgical Society
- International Society for Neuroendoscopy
- European Society for Pediatric Neurosurgery
- American Society of Neurotraumatology
- Congress of Neurological Surgeons (USA)
- American Society for Pediatric Neurosurgery
FAQ — Answered Personally by Prof. Konstantini
1. How can I tell if my child has hydrocephalus?
I’ve been asked this by so many parents over the years, and I always say: you know your child best. If you notice your baby’s head is growing unusually fast, or if their eyes seem to look downward a lot, that’s something to check. Sometimes, it’s just a feeling parents have that something isn’t quite right—and that’s worth listening to. I usually recommend a quick brain ultrasound or MRI, depending on the child’s age.
2. When does a baby need skull surgery?
In cases of craniosynostosis or noticeable deformities of the skull, early intervention can really make a difference—not just cosmetically, but for brain development as well. I’ve found that operating between 6 and 9 months old tends to offer the best results. But every child is different, and in our clinic, I take the time to explain whether surgery is truly necessary or if monitoring is enough.
3. Can we schedule a private consultation with you?
Yes, absolutely. I see patients privately in Tel Aviv in TAMC, usually within a few days. It allows me to spend more time with each family, go over imaging in detail, and help them feel confident in the decisions we make together. For urgent cases, I can usually move even faster.
4. My child was diagnosed with a brain tumor. What should we expect?
That’s a tough moment for any parent. I usually start by reviewing all scans myself, then we talk about what type of tumor it is, whether it’s likely benign or malignant, and what our options are. Not every tumor needs surgery right away. Sometimes observation is enough. But when surgery is needed, I always make sure families understand every step—and that they know they’re not alone.
5. What’s the benefit of private care?
From what I’ve seen, the main benefit is time. In public hospitals, the system is often overloaded, and families wait weeks or even months just for imaging or a consult. In private care, we move quickly. We meet, we plan, we act—and the child gets what they need without delay. For many families, that peace of mind is priceless.
6. How do I know if my child really needs surgery?
I get this question a lot. My answer is always: if your child is showing clear neurological symptoms—vomiting, headaches, changes in behavior or balance—we need to investigate. Not every case ends in surgery, but it’s better to check thoroughly than to take a risk. I try to be honest and practical, and if I think surgery isn’t needed, I say it directly.
7. Can epilepsy be caused by something in the brain?
Yes, and in fact, some kids develop seizures due to subtle brain malformations or even small tumors. If that’s the case, and medication isn’t helping, surgery might be an option. I’ve had many cases where surgery stopped the seizures completely. But again, we only go that route after very careful testing.