Institute of Gastroenterology
Specialists at the Institute of Gastroenterology at Sheba Medical Center treat people with a wide range of digestive conditions, including problems with the esophagus, stomach, liver, intestines, pancreas, food breakdown, and nutrient absorption. Our state-of-the-art unit is the largest and most advanced of its kind in Israel. A highly qualified team of more than thirty experts, including physicians, surgeons, radiologists, psychologists, pathologists, and dietitians, collaborate to custom design the most effective treatments for each individual patient.
At Sheba’s Institute of Gastroenterology, we treat more than 40,000 patients and perform over 15,000 endoscopic procedures every year. Our institute was designed with special consideration for patient privacy and comfort, with distinct areas for the endoscopy suites, outpatient consultations, and day care unit for drug infusion therapy. Additionally, our experienced doctors are actively involved in various clinical studies, such as investigating newly developed medications and technology.
Division of Internal Medicine at the Acute Care Hospital
The Institute of Gastroenterology is a part of the Division of Internal Medicine at Sheba Medical Center. Also included in this division of the hospital:
- Departments of Internal Medicine (A – F)
- The Research Center for Autoimmune Diseases
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit
- The Bert Strassburger Lipid Center
- The Center of Geographic Medicine and Tropical Disease
- Cord Blood Bank
- Department of Dermatology
- Institute of Endocrinology
- Department of Emergency Medicine
- Department of Neurology
- Ella Institute for Treatment and Research of Melanoma and Skin Cancer
- Institute of Gastroenterology
- Institute of Oncology
- Institute of Nephrology and Hypertension
- Interventional Pulmonology Unit
- National Hemophilia Center and Institute of Thrombosis &
- Hemostasis
- The Center for Liver Diseases
Conditions & Treatments at the Institute of Gastroenterology Clinics
The Institute of Gastroenterology comprises many general and specialized clinics, a cutting-edge laboratory, multidisciplinary consultation, and complementary medicine services. We are dedicated to the professional and precise diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of a wide range of gastrointestinal diseases.
Invasive Gastroenterology Clinic
All types of endoscopic procedures, conventional and advanced, are provided using the latest technologies. At Sheba, we pioneer many new endoscopic procedures in Israel, many of which are later implemented around the world.
Endoscopy may be done to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of:
We offer the following types of endoscopy:
- Capsule endoscopy – a minimally invasive procedure in which the patient swallows a tiny camera and images are recorded for analysis
- Colonoscopy – in this common screening test for colon cancer and to locate sources of bleeding, the patient is anesthetized and a scope is inserted into the anus
- Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) – a scope is inserted into the throat and down through the stomach, generally to check for causes of stomach pain and bleeding
- Double balloon enteroscopy – this procedure checks the small bowel, usually to detect bleeding; biopsies may be taken and sources of bleeding can be cauterized
- Transrectal ultrasound – an ultrasound probe is inserted in the patient’s rectum in order to gather a 3D picture of the prostate
- Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) – to check the pancreas and common bile ducts, a scope is inserted through the mouth, into the stomach and the first part of the small intestine (duodenum)
- Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) – using sound waves to create a visual image, EUS can investigate a variety of structures in the digestive system
- Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) – a relatively new type of weight loss procedure that reduces the stomach size by using an endoscopic suturing device, with no need for surgery
- Acute gastrointestinal bleeding
- Chronic gastrointestinal bleeding
- Biliary and pancreatic diseases
- Pancreatic cysts
- Varicose veins
- Gastroesophageal reflux
- Polyp removal
- Stenting support for implant positioning
- To guide fine needle aspiration (FNA)
All types of endoscopic procedures, conventional and advanced, are provided using the latest technologies. At Sheba, we pioneer many new endoscopic procedures in Israel, many of which are later implemented around the world.
Endoscopy may be done to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of:
We offer the following types of endoscopy:
- Capsule endoscopy – a minimally invasive procedure in which the patient swallows a tiny camera and images are recorded for analysis
- Colonoscopy – in this common screening test for colon cancer and to locate sources of bleeding, the patient is anesthetized and a scope is inserted into the anus
- Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) – a scope is inserted into the throat and down through the stomach, generally to check for causes of stomach pain and bleeding
- Double balloon enteroscopy – this procedure checks the small bowel, usually to detect bleeding; biopsies may be taken and sources of bleeding can be cauterized
- Transrectal ultrasound – an ultrasound probe is inserted in the patient’s rectum in order to gather a 3D picture of the prostate
- Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) – to check the pancreas and common bile ducts, a scope is inserted through the mouth, into the stomach and the first part of the small intestine (duodenum)
- Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) – using sound waves to create a visual image, EUS can investigate a variety of structures in the digestive system
- Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) – a relatively new type of weight loss procedure that reduces stomach size by using an endoscopic suturing device, with no need for surgery
IBD Inflammatory Bowel Disease Clinic
Comprehensive multidisciplinary services are provided to diagnose and treat patients who suffer from inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Neuro-Gastroenterology Clinic and Pelvic Floor
Working in conjunction with specialists from other Sheba departments, we treat gastrointestinal functional disorders, gastrointestinal motility disorders, and functional-structural disorders of the pelvic floor, including:
- Swallowing disorder
- Reflux syndrome (reflux)
- Gastroparesis
- Sensitive bowel syndrome
- Chronic constipation
- Failure to control feces
- Degenerative disorders
- Pelvic organs
- Chronic pain in the gastrointestinal tract
Neuro-Gastroenterology Clinic and Pelvic Floor
Proper nutrition plays a vital role in treating many diseases, and nutritional counseling can be critical for healing and improving the overall condition of the patient. During the first visit to our clinic, the patient meets with a physician specializing in the field, as well as a dietitian.
We offer nutritional counseling for:
- Celiac – gluten-free diet
- Lactose intolerance
- Sensitive bowel syndrome
- Pelvic floor problems
- Chronic constipation
- Gases
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Septic disorder
- Pancreatic disease (pancreatic enzyme replacement and nutritional plans)
- Intravenous economics TPN
- Cancer patients
- Swallowing disorders or upper gastrointestinal obstruction
Obesity Clinic
Experts at the Obesity Clinic collaborate with doctors from our Endocrine Clinic to treat patients in urgent need of assistance with losing weight.
High-risk Clinic
Experts in gastroenterology and genetics staff this clinic, working closely with surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, and pathologists. We track and evaluate the progress of gastrointestinal malignancies, offering counseling regarding treatment and prevention for the patient and their family members.
Oncology Clinic
Cancer can damage all parts of the digestive system, and an early diagnosis promotes effective treatment. Patients who have suspected cancerous symptoms are referred to this clinic for an overall evaluation and rapid diagnosis.
Swallowing Disorders and Heartburn Clinic
A variety of disorders can cause heartburn or problems with swallowing, such as:
- Impaired pharyngeal and laryngeal function, as seen in various neurological diseases, following brain events and various muscle diseases
- Gastrointestinal reflux disease
- Gastroparesis
- Irregular esophageal contractions
- Damage to the esophageal nerve and upper digestive tract
Using sophisticated technologies, a team of experienced specialists in gastroenterology, EAG, communication disorders and dietary services work together to diagnose and treat patients.
Gastrointestinal and Pancreatic Disease Clinic
We provide comprehensive counseling for pancreatic, gallbladder and gastrointestinal disorders. Every week, multidisciplinary specialists evaluate each patient’s case – including general surgeons with expertise in pancreatic and biliary tract surgery, gastroenterologists who perform biliary tract imaging using ERCP and EUS, and imaging physicians who are experts in pancreatic and biliary tract surgery. Depending on the patient’s results, we will refer them for surgery, endoscopic treatment or radiation and chemotherapy treatments.
We provide specialized diagnosis and treatment for the following diseases:
- Gallstone and bile duct disease
- Chronic pancreatitis
- Pancreatic tumors
- Cystic diseases
- Neuroendocrine tumors
Laboratory Procedures
Many routine and experimental gastrointestinal tests are performed at Sheba’s modern laboratory. These include:
- Hepatitis examinations, both serology and molecular
- Endocrine examinations – CA 19-9, Gastrin levels
- Helicobacter Pylori detection, both through breath test and in tissue samples
- Celiac diagnosis – Anti-endomysial AB
- Maldigestion – H2 breath test
- Infliximab/Adalimumab drug levels and antibodies
Meet the Director
Prof. Shomron Ben-Horin, MD
Director, Institute of Gastroenterology
Prof. Ben-Horin received his medical degree from Hadassah Medical School at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. He specialized in Gastroenterology at Sheba Medical Center and completed a fellowship in gastrointestinal immunology at Columbia University Presbyterian Hospital, New York. In addition to his position at Sheba, Prof. Ben-Horin is a full professor at the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, and a member of the Scientific Council of the European Crohn’s and Colitis Organization (ECCO). In addition, he is chair of the Department of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases of the Israeli Gastrointestinal Association, and Associate Professor, First Hospital of Sun-Yitsan University, Guangzhou, China.
Prof. Shomron Ben-Horin
Holistic Healing for Quality of Life
Many gastrointestinal diseases are manageable, yet they can have a profound impact on your quality of life. We strive to provide advanced medical therapies combined with compassionate, integrative care to help enhance all aspects of your daily life. Our entire staff, including doctors, surgeons, nurses, physiotherapists, dietitians, psychologists, complementary medicine practitioners, and social workers, work in synergy to individualize your treatment program. At the Institute of Gastroenterology, we also offer Chinese medicine alongside conventional treatment to reduce inflammation and provide lasting relief from your pain and symptoms. To optimize your healing, all services are provided under one roof on Sheba’s campus.
