Dr. Meni Brakha

With a foundation in medicine from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem and specialized surgical training at Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, I have dedicated my career to advancing the field of surgical oncology. My passion for excellence led me to complete a fellowship in complex surgical oncology at the esteemed Peter MacCallum Cancer Center in Australia, where I honed my skills in treating sarcomas, melanomas, and rare tumors. I also had the opportunity to learn and advance my skills and knowledge at the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida (USA). I specialize in the surgical treatment of sarcomas, soft tissue tumors, melanomas, and other challenging cancers. Achieving the best clinical and oncological outcomes in sarcomas requires a dedicated surgical oncologist experienced with these rare and variable tumors. My training includes mastering advanced and unique techniques, such as isolated limb perfusion and isolated limb infusion, enabling me to offer cutting-edge solutions for metastatic melanoma and limb-sparing sarcoma surgeries. The additional details of key diseases I treat:Melanoma. I treat and operate on melanoma all throughout the body, including reconstructions and flaps when needed. I operate on primary disease and metastatic disease (radical lymphadenectomies, metastasectomies, intra-abdominal melanoma resections, etc. ), including challenging cases of metastatic disease along the limbs. We also have the option, under certain circumstances, to work on a personalized vaccine we create from a patient’s own metastatic tumor we excise, in collaboration with the melanoma oncology team. Merkel cell carcinoma. Rare diagnosis that I treat often, with care for both the primary disease site and the lymphatic drainage area, for future decisions on the need for radiotherapy. Sarcomas. Both in the retroperitoneum and in other locations, including the face and scalp, thorax, abdominal wall, intramuscular, breast sarcomas (like angiosarcoma and phylloides tumor), and other places. I'm trained in both the radical resections and the local reconstructions. Desmoid tumor. While not all require surgery, some do, and it is essential to decide on which patients to operate on and when to operate. Other rare tumors. Oncological diseases, including small bowel cancer, appendiceal tumors (LAMN, HAMN), malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST), and schwanomas. Also, extensive experience with Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans (DFSP). Lymph node pathologies. Many diseases manifest as lymphadenopathy, and sometimes it is crucial to excise a whole lymph node for accurate diagnosis (especially with lymphomas, but in other cases as well). I am well-trained in lymph node surgeries in all locations, for both limited surgeries for diagnosis or radical lymphadenectomies when required. In my practice, collaboration is key to achieving superior outcomes. I am proud to be an active member of the Transatlantic Retroperitoneal Sarcoma Working Group (TARPSWG), where our center at Hadassah Ein-Karem Medical Center serves as a dedicated research partner. This affiliation allows us to stay at the forefront of advances in sarcoma treatment, continuously refining our protocols to benefit our patients. In managing complex sarcoma cases, I regularly present cases at international sarcoma working group meetings. These monthly gatherings bring together leading experts from around the world to collectively analyze and strategize each case. Through in-depth discussions, we meticulously plan the optimal surgical approach, assess the scope of the required surgery, anticipate challenges, and develop solutions to overcome them. This collaborative effort ensures that every patient receives the highest standard of care, informed by diverse perspectives and cutting-edge research. Similarly, we have an excellent Melanoma-dedicated multidisciplinary team that includes melanoma specialists from different modalities who are leaders in their field. We meet regularly to discuss each patient and develop an optimal surgical and medical plan. I believe that exceptional care goes beyond surgical expertise - it encompasses genuine concern for my patients' well-being, needs, and aspirations. I am dedicated to building trusting relationships where patients feel heard, understood, and supported throughout their journey. I am passionate about going the extra mile for my patients, ensuring that every decision I make is in their best interests. During complex operations, I am focused on achieving optimal oncological outcomes while prioritizing patient safety and comfort. I firmly believe that a surgeon's dedication to their patient's care extends to every aspect of their experience, including cosmetic results. Understanding that these outcomes can impact self-esteem and quality of life, I am committed to addressing aesthetic considerations alongside medical outcomes. By caring deeply about each patient's individual journey, I strive to create a healing environment where trust and compassion pave the way for successful treatment and recovery.