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To ensure you are fully informed about the procedure, please read this information carefully. Your doctor is available to provide any additional details you may require. How to prepare for a small bowel examination with a video capsule? Video capsule examination of the small bowel has been available for several years, but since July 2008 it has only been reimbursed by the INAMI/RIZIV at 75% (APPROXIMATELY €200 to be paid by the patient).The day before the examination, the patient should:Follow a low-fiber diet, meaning no fruits or vegetables (neither cooked nor raw), and no whole wheat or brown bread. You may eat white bread, white pasta, meat, and dairy products.Drink a preparation: purchase a box of PLENVU from a pharmacy (available without a prescription). Around 5:00 PM, have your evening meal. Around 6:00 PM, start the PLENVU: take dose 1, mixed in ½ liter of water (to be drunk within 30 minutes); then drink another ½ liter of clear liquid of your choice.From midnight: remain fasting.On the day of the examination:Remain fasting from midnight.Go to the 1st floor at the Endoscopy Unit, Route 306.If this is your first visit to ERASME Hospital, please first check in at the consultation reception in the hospital lobby.You will swallow the video capsule with a glass of water; the capsule is the size of a medicine capsule (water + 20 ml Endo-Paractol).A belt with a recording device will be fastened around your waist.You will stay in the rest area for 1 hour after swallowing the capsule to ensure it has reached your duodenum.If the capsule is still in the stomach, you will receive a 10 mg Motilium tablet.You may drink water 1 hour after ingesting the capsule, and then eat and drink normally 3 hours after ingestion.Around 4:30 PM, return to the Endoscopy Unit on the 1st floor (Route 306), where the belt with the recording device will be removed.The video capsule will be eliminated in the stool and does not need to be retrieved. N.B.: Do not undergo an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) on the day of the examination or in the days following.For any information or in case of cancellation, please contact the Endoscopy Clinic by phone at +32 (0)2 555.32.92 or by email at rendez-vous [dot] Endoscopie [dot] erasme [at] hubruxelles [dot] be

To ensure you are clearly informed about this procedure, we invite you to read this information carefully. Your doctor is available to provide any additional details you may need. What is a liver biopsy? A liver biopsy is a procedure in which a small sample of liver tissue is taken to make a precise diagnosis of liver disease. This allows your doctor to treat the problem optimally. The tissue is analyzed under a microscope, and the final result is usually available within a week. Why perform a liver biopsy? Your doctor has suggested this procedure due to symptoms and blood test abnormalities indicating a possible liver problem. Obtaining a liver tissue sample allows laboratory analysis under a microscope to determine the cause and severity of the problem. Measuring liver pressures (porto-systemic gradient) helps assess the severity of the disease and its impact on the veins supplying the liver (portal hypertension), guiding treatment. How to prepare for a liver biopsy? Before the procedure:Inform your doctor about your medical history and any medications you usually take (especially blood-thinning medications: aspirin, Plavix, Sintrom, …). If you have known allergies, inform your doctor, and for women, indicate if you are pregnant.You must fast (no food or drink) for 6 hours before the procedure. How is a liver biopsy performed? The biopsy can be performed using two approaches, depending on the suspected problem and/or current treatment.Percutaneous liver biopsy (through the skin of the right flank)After radiographic or ultrasound localization, local anesthesia is applied to the skin and abdominal wall (between the ribs on the right side). You will be asked to hold your breath. A liver puncture is then performed quickly using a needle, a pressure dressing is applied, and you must lie on your right side for 4 hours. This procedure can be performed under sedation (injection of a sedative if needed) and is organized as a 24-hour hospital stay for monitoring and bed rest. Transjugular liver biopsy (via a neck vein) and suprahepatic catheterizationAfter local anesthesia of the neck skin, an introducer is placed in a neck vein. A catheter is guided through the blood vessels to the liver under radiographic control. Liver pressures are measured, and a puncture is performed to obtain a tissue sample. A pressure dressing is then applied to the neck for 24 hours.This procedure can be performed under sedation (injection of a sedative if needed) and is organized as a 24-hour hospital stay for monitoring and bed rest. Possible complications of a liver biopsy Any medical procedure, even performed with proper expertise and according to current scientific and regulatory standards, carries a risk of complications.Complications of liver biopsy are rare (hematoma, bleeding) and may be influenced by your medical history or ongoing treatment.If you experience abnormal symptoms (abdominal pain, dizziness, fever, jaundice), contact the physician who performed the procedure during office hours, Monday to Friday, 8:00–16:30, at +32 (0)2 555.32.92, Endoscopy Clinic or at +32 (0)2 555.59.95 (medical contact).If you cannot reach them, promptly contact your general practitioner or go to the hospital Emergency Department.

To ensure that you are fully informed about this procedure, we invite you to read this information carefully. Your doctor is available to provide any additional details you may require. What is a colonoscopy? A colonoscopy is a visual examination of the colon that allows detection of diseases of this organ, helping your doctor determine the cause of your symptoms. Additionally, this procedure can detect early colorectal lesions (polyps) and, if necessary, take tissue samples (biopsies) for microscopic analysis or remove them directly (polypectomy). Why have a colonoscopy? Your doctor has recommended this procedure due to symptoms suggesting a lower digestive tract (colon) problem or for polyp screening. The colonoscopy is performed using an endoscope (a flexible tube with a camera and light at the tip) to detect internal lesions and allow biopsies or removal if needed. This exam helps diagnose conditions such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, bowel disorders, bleeding, anemia, weight loss, or tumor detection. It also allows for polyp removal or coagulation of bleeding lesions. How to prepare for a colonoscopy? Before the procedure:Inform your doctor about your medical history and the medications you normally take.Medications – conditions:If you had a barium enema or barium transit study in the week before the colonoscopy, postpone the procedure and take paraffin oil;If you take iron supplements, stop 10 days before the colonoscopy;If you take Ticlid® or Plavix®, stop 5 days before the colonoscopy on your cardiologist’s advice;If you take blood thinners:Low molecular weight heparin (Fraxiparine®, Clexane®, Innohep®, Fraxodi®): stop 24 hours before the colonoscopy;Sintrom®: stop 5 days before the colonoscopy and switch to heparin as advised by your doctor;Eliquis®, Xarelto®, Pradaxa®: stop 2–3 days before the colonoscopy without replacement, as per your doctor’s instructions.If you have glaucoma, diabetes, prostate problems, or a medication allergy, inform your doctor.The colon must be completely clean for accurate examination and therapeutic procedures. An unclean colon significantly reduces the quality and diagnostic value of the exam. Follow the preparation instructions carefully (low-residue diet prior to the exam and bowel-cleansing drink the day before). Your doctor may adjust the preparation based on your medical record. Please consult the information regarding colonoscopy preparation.You must fast (no food, drink, or smoking) for 6 hours before the procedure. Remove dentures and glasses. A protective cream can be applied to the anal area during preparation to prevent irritation caused by diarrhea. How is a colonoscopy performed? A flexible endoscope is inserted through the anus and can reach the start of the small intestine (“ileoscopy”). CO2 is insufflated to unfold the intestinal walls. You may feel bloated or need to pass gas during and after the exam.Various biopsies may be taken if deemed necessary. If polyps are found, they are removed using forceps or an electric knife (polypectomy).For comfort, sedation or general anesthesia is often offered. The procedure lasts about 30 minutes, but preparation and recovery can take several hours, so plan for a full day. After general anesthesia, 2 hours of monitoring are required. Typically, patients can go home the same day with a companion; driving is prohibited after sedation or anesthesia. For difficult procedures or removal of large polyps, overnight hospital observation may be necessary. Possible complications of a colonoscopy All medical procedures, even when performed safely and professionally, carry a risk of complications.Colonoscopy complications are rare (about 1%) (bowel perforation, bleeding, infections, cardiovascular issues). They may require hospitalization, transfusion, or surgery. Risks can be increased by your medical history or certain medications. Complications can occur during the procedure or in the following days.If you experience abnormal symptoms (severe abdominal pain, bloody stool, chills, fever), contact your treating physician during office hours:Endoscopy Clinic, Erasme General Hospital: +32 (0)2 555.32.92Erasme Day Hospital: +32 (0)2 555.37.77Email: rendez-vous [dot] Endoscopie [dot] erasme [at] hubruxelles [dot] be (rendez-vous[dot]Endoscopie[dot]erasme[at]hubruxelles[dot]be)Bordet Institute: +32 (0)2 541.37.20Email: accueil [dot] endoscopie [at] bordet [dot] be (accueil[dot]endoscopie[at]bordet[dot]be)If unreachable, contact your general practitioner, on-call doctor, or emergency department promptly.Between patients, the endoscope is disinfected and accessories are sterilized or discarded (single-use equipment).

To ensure you are fully informed about this procedure, we invite you to read this information carefully. Your doctor is available to provide any additional details you may require. What is endoscopic cholangio-pancreatography? Endoscopic cholangio-pancreatography (ECP) is an endoscopic procedure used to treat various problems of the bile ducts or pancreas. Why undergo endoscopic cholangio-pancreatography? Your doctor recommended this procedure due to symptoms or findings that require treatment via ECP. This procedure allows for confirming a diagnosis, taking samples (biopsies for microscopic examination), removing stones, draining the bile ducts or pancreatic duct, and placing stents in these organs. How to prepare for endoscopic cholangio-pancreatography? Inform your doctor about your medical history and all medications you regularly take (especially those affecting blood clotting: aspirin, Plavix, Sintrom, Xarelto, Eliquis, Pradaxa, etc.).If you have known allergies, provide details to your doctor. Women must inform their doctor if they are pregnant.You must fast (no food, drink, or smoking) for 6 hours prior to the procedure. Remove any dentures or glasses. How is endoscopic cholangio-pancreatography performed? A duodenoscope (flexible instrument) is inserted through the mouth to examine the upper digestive tract up to the duodenum. Air is insufflated to smooth the walls of the digestive tract. The opening where the bile and pancreatic ducts drain is called the “papilla.” It is intubated using a catheter (small plastic tube through the endoscope) and under X-ray guidance, the required treatment is performed (cutting the sphincter of the bile or pancreatic duct, “sphincterotomy,” stone extraction, stent placement for drainage, etc.). Sedation or general anesthesia is provided for your comfort.Upon waking, you may experience a sore throat, bloating, and gas, which usually subside within 12 hours. A nasal drain may sometimes be necessary for one or two days.The duration of the procedure varies depending on technical difficulty (20 minutes to 2 hours). Post-anesthesia, hospital monitoring is required.Between patients, the endoscope is disinfected and accessories are sterilized or disposed of (single-use materials) according to regulations. Possible complications of endoscopic cholangio-pancreatography All medical procedures, even when performed under expert and safe conditions, carry a risk of complications.Complications of therapeutic ECP are rare (around 1%) (digestive wall perforation, bile duct or gallbladder infection, cardiovascular problems, acute pancreatitis, bleeding). They may require prolonged hospitalization, extended fasting, transfusion, or even surgical intervention. Your medical history or certain medications may increase these risks. Complications may occur on the day of the procedure or in the following days.If you experience abnormal symptoms (abdominal or chest pain, bleeding, chills, fever, jaundice…), contact the treating physician during office hours, Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, at the Endoscopy Clinic, +32 (0)2 555.32.92.You can also:Call the physician in case of an emergency: +32 (0)2 555.58.39Contact the secretariat to schedule an appointment by phone at +32 (0)2 555.32.92 or by email at Cons [dot] Gastromed [dot] Erasme [at] hubruxelles [dot] beIf you cannot reach the doctor, promptly contact your general practitioner, on-call physician, or the emergency department.

To clearly inform you about the course of this examination, we invite you to read this information carefully. What are functional investigations of the esophagus? Les investigations fonctionnelles de l’œsophage permettent de diagnostiquer un trouble de la motricité œsophagienne (contraction anormale du muscle de l’œsophage) et d’investiguer le reflux gastro-œsophagien comme cause potentielle de vos symptômes.Functional investigations of the esophagus help diagnose esophageal motility disorders (abnormal contraction of the esophagus muscle) and investigate gastroesophageal reflux as a potential cause of your symptoms. Functional investigations of the esophagus: esophageal manometry This test is used to understand the cause of your symptoms (difficulty swallowing, pain when swallowing, chest or stomach pain, regurgitation). It is also performed before or after certain surgeries such as anti-reflux surgery. A thin tube is inserted through the nose into the esophagus to measure pressures and contractions.How to prepare for esophageal manometry:Before the procedure:Inform your doctor about your medical history and the medications you usually take. Mention any known allergies. You must fast (no food or drink) and not smoke for 6 hours before your appointment.How esophageal manometry is performed?The tube is inserted through the nostril and guided into your stomach. The test lasts about 15 minutes. During the test, you will be asked to sip water and, if necessary, eat a slice of white bread (provided by the hospital). Possible incidents:The test is generally well tolerated and not painful.Nausea may occur due to the tube passing through the throat. A local anesthetic spray may be applied if needed. As with any medical procedure, there is a small risk of complications. The equipment is disinfected between patients, and accessories are sterilized or single-use.Possible side effects:Discomfort in the nose or throat, runny noseRare: nosebleedsContact your doctor if you experience any concerning symptoms: +32 (0)2 555.32.92 (Endoscopy Clinic) or by email at rendez-vous [dot] Endoscopie [dot] erasme [at] hubruxelles [dot] be functional investigations of the esophagus: 24-hour pH-impedance monitoring This test aims to quantify gastroesophageal reflux (backflow of stomach contents into the throat, acidic or not) over 24 hours and evaluate the link between your symptoms (heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain, cough, belching, etc.) and this reflux.Preparation for 24-hour pH-impedance monitoring:On the day of probe placement, fast for 6 hours (no food, drink, or smoking).Acid-reducing medications (pantoprazole, omeprazole, lansoprazole, Nexiam®, Pantomed®) are usually stopped 7 days before the test, unless your doctor instructs otherwise.How the test is performed:A very thin probe is inserted through the nose into the upper stomach. The probe passes behind the ear and is secured with adhesive on the cheek and neck. It is connected to a small portable recording device worn on a shoulder strap.Once in place, you can eat and drink normally. Maintain your usual activities as much as possible.Use the device to record:Start and end of meals, periods of drinkingBody position (upright or lying down)Symptoms such as burning, coughing, etc.Note:The device is not waterproof; avoid baths or showers. Handle carefully to prevent damage.Possible incidents:Probe partially displaced: remove completely and return for removal.Probe accidentally disconnected: reconnect and note the time.Allergic reaction to adhesiveThe next day:Return to the Endoscopy Department at the specified time for probe removal.Fasting is not required.A gastroenterologist will analyze the recording and send the results to the referring doctor.

To ensure you are fully informed about the procedure, we invite you to read this information carefully. Your doctor is available to provide any additional details you may wish to know. What is a gastroscopy? A gastroscopy is a visual examination of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. It allows your doctor to detect abnormalities and determine the cause of your symptoms. Why undergo a gastroscopy? Your doctor has recommended this procedure because of symptoms suggesting a problem in the upper digestive tract (esophagus, stomach, duodenum). A gastroscopy is performed using an endoscope (a flexible tube with a camera and light at its tip) to detect internal lesions and, if necessary, take tissue samples (biopsies). This examination helps diagnose various problems such as difficulty or pain swallowing, abdominal pain, heartburn, investigation of anemia, diarrhea, weight loss, gastrointestinal bleeding, detection of tumors, etc.In some cases, dyes may be applied, or image-processing techniques (NBI) or zoom may be used to better detect early tumor lesions. How to prepare for a gastroscopy? Before the procedure:Inform your doctor about your medical history and the medications you regularly take. Mention any known allergies.If you have diabetes, your doctor will advise you not to take rapid-acting insulin and/or oral antidiabetics before the procedure.For a diagnostic procedure, if you take blood-thinning medications:Ticlid® or Plavix®: do not stopLow-molecular-weight heparin (Fraxiparine®, Clexane®, Innohep®, Fraxodi®): do not stopSintrom®: check INR a week before; if stable, do not stopEliquis®, Xarelto®, Pradaxa®: do not take the morning dose on the day of the endoscopyFor a therapeutic gastroscopy, discuss with your doctor whether and how to interrupt medication.You must fast (no food, drink, or smoking) for at least 6 hours before the gastroscopy to avoid impairing visibility or increasing risk during the procedure. Remove dentures and glasses if applicable. How a gastroscopy is performed? A local anesthetic spray is applied to the throat. You lie on your left side. A plastic mouthpiece is placed between your teeth. The doctor inserts the endoscope through your mouth into the digestive tract. The procedure is not painful and does not affect breathing, as the endoscope does not enter the lungs. Focus on regular breathing to prevent nausea. Allow saliva to flow during the procedure and do not try to swallow it. Air is introduced into the stomach, which may cause small burps or a feeling of bloating. Biopsies may be taken, which may feel like a pinching sensation. The procedure usually takes 5 to 10 minutes.Sedation or anesthesia can be administered to make the procedure more comfortable. If so, you will be monitored for at least an hour afterward, should not make important decisions, and should not drive for 24 hours. It is recommended to have someone accompany you.After the procedure, your doctor will advise when you can eat and drink again, explain the results, and may suggest a treatment plan. Possible complications of gastroscopy Any medical procedure, even when performed safely and competently, carries a risk of complications.Complications from gastroscopy are very rare (perforation, bleeding, cardiovascular or respiratory problems, infections). Hospitalization may sometimes be required. Risks may be higher due to your medical history or medications. Complications can occur on the day of the procedure or in the following days.If you experience abnormal symptoms (abdominal or chest pain, vomiting blood (red or black), cough, fever, chills), contact the treating physician during office hours, Monday to Friday, 8:00–16:30:Endoscopy Clinic, Erasme General Hospital: +32 (0)2 555.32.92Erasme Day Hospital: +32 (0)2 555.37.77Email: rendez-vous [dot] Endoscopie [dot] erasme [at] hubruxelles [dot] be (rendez-vous[dot]Endoscopie[dot]erasme[at]hubruxelles[dot]be)Bordet Institute: +32 (0)2 541.37.20Email: accueil [dot] endoscopie [at] bordet [dot] be (accueil[dot]endoscopie[at]bordet[dot]be)If you cannot reach them, contact your primary doctor, an on-call doctor, or the emergency department.Between each patient, the endoscope is disinfected, and used accessories are sterilized or disposed of (single-use materials).Therapeutic gastroscopySeveral upper digestive tract conditions can be treated with gastroscopy, usually under sedation or anesthesia. Common procedures include:Dilation of esophageal, gastric, or duodenal stricturesPlacement of stents for leaks or narrowingRemoval of superficial tumorsCoagulation of vascular lesionsStopping bleeding (hemostasis)Ligating esophageal varicesPlacement of an intragastric balloon for weight lossIn therapeutic gastroscopy, the risk of complications may be higher depending on the condition being treated and usually requires hospital monitoring.

Obesity is a chronic disease that can lead to numerous metabolic and cardiovascular complications. When conventional approaches such as diet and physical activity are not sufficient, endoscopic solutions may be considered. These minimally invasive techniques allow effective management while limiting the risks associated with bariatric surgery. Obesity: what medical management at H.U.B.? The Gastroenterology Department of Erasmus Hospital offers a multidisciplinary management of obesity with innovative endoscopic options. Among these, the placement of a gastric balloon helps reduce the feeling of hunger and promotes weight loss. Another alternative is endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, which reduces the size of the stomach without major surgical intervention.Our teams combine these techniques with personalized nutritional and behavioral follow-up in order to optimize results. Close collaboration between gastroenterologists, endocrinologists, dietitians and psychologists ensures a comprehensive approach tailored to each patient.It is essential to adopt a healthy lifestyle before and after an endoscopic procedure for obesity. A balanced diet rich in fiber and protein, as well as regular physical activity, are recommended to maximize results. Endoscopic management is combined with multidisciplinary appointments with the gastroenterologist, the dietitian and the psychologist in order to reinforce lifestyle changes. Discover the H.U.B. Endoscopy Clinic

Surgical complications: what medical management at H.U.B.? After digestive surgery (removal of the esophagus, stomach, bariatric surgery for weight loss, removal of part of the colon), leakage can sometimes occur at the digestive suture (or a fistula if it persists over time). This may lead to a local abdominal infection and other complications.Our endoscopy team has developed a range of techniques to treat these complications endoscopically, sometimes in combination with radiological treatment, in order to avoid reoperation. It is thus possible to temporarily place an oesophago-gastric stent, use vacuum-assisted therapies or place an internal drain to achieve healing. Likewise, after pancreatico-biliary surgery, leakage of bile or pancreatic secretions may occur. Various approaches allow these to be resolved using the different endoscopic techniques available (retrograde/percutaneous cholangiopancreatography, endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage, etc.).The management of these potential complications requires discussion between the surgical, radiological and endoscopic teams in order to choose the best solution for each patient. The daily availability of all techniques makes it possible to rapidly treat patients who require it. The expertise of the Endoscopy Clinic team, specifically in the management of these complications, as well as its available equipment, make it a renowned centre for this activity, to which many patients are referred by other hospitals.If you suffer from a surgical complication, speak to your doctor. They can contact the physicians of the Endoscopy Clinic to discuss a possible endoscopic treatment by telephone at +32 (0)2 555 32 72. Discover the H.U.B Endoscopy Clinic Endoscopic treatment of surgical complications: what innovations at H.U.B.? Numerous scientific publications have been produced by the members of the department in recent years on this topic (oesophago-gastric stents or double pigtail prostheses to treat leaks after bariatric surgery, ultrasound-guided drainage or retrograde cholangiography for postoperative biliary leaks, for example).In addition, within the department, a new instrument is being developed to automatically cut and resolve post-surgical problems of diverticula and strictures that prevent patients from eating properly (Candy cane syndrome). Studies are ongoing to treat patients who need it using this new instrument.

The Department of Psychiatry at the Brussels University Hospital (H.U.B) is opening a specialised outpatient consultation to provide rapid access to innovative treatment and comprehensive care. ​Read more Interview with Professor Pierre Oswald, Head of the Department of Psychiatry and Dr. Youssouf Ramdani, Psychiatrist Depression is a common illness. It can affect anybody at any point in their life. In most cases treatment permits a significant improvement. For some people, however, despite adhering strictly to the prescribed treatment the symptoms remain all too present, in the form of tiredness, loss of interest or pleasure, pain, anxiety, despair, etc. We then speak of   treatment-resistant depression.What is treatment-resistant depression?This simply means that usual treatment has not helped sufficiently and does not mean that “nothing works”. Treatment-resistant depression is not an incurable illness or in any way inevitable. It is rather a form of recurrent depression that requires other approaches  that are sometimes more intensive or more innovative. Professor Pierre Oswald: ”Treatment-resistant depression is not a life sentence. Today we have numerous effective treatment options that can help.”  Why can depression resist treatment?Because the depression affects the individual in their entirety:  Mood,Energy,Sleep,Concentration,Appetite,Pain,Relationships,The way they perceive themselves, their past and their future.It is therefore logical that no single treatment will always be sufficient. That is why the H.U.B proposes   comprehensive care that acts on the body, the mind and lifestyle.  What solutions does the H.U.B propose?  1. Traditional and enhanced medicationThere are several groups of antidepressants. When an initial treatment fails to produce sufficient results, the psychiatrist can change the molecule, progressively increase the dose or combine two treatments to boost  effectiveness.  These adjustments are common and are simply ways of finding the right formula for the right person as we do not all react in the same way.  In some more severe cases a treatment can be administered by means of an injection or infusion for a more intense action. These procedures are always carried out in a secure environment with support staff present.  2. Psychological therapiesThese therapies play a major role in improving the patient’s condition and preventing a relapse. They do not replace medication but they can be a very effective supplement.  Here are a few examples:Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) – This helps to identify negative automatic thoughts (“I am worthless”, “nothing ever changes”) and to replace them with more realistic and reassuring thoughts. It also provides practical tools for taking action in everyday life.  Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) – This approach is used when painful memories or traumas sustain the depression. It makes it possible to “desensitize” the emotion associated with these memories so that they cause less pain. Psycho-corporal therapies such as relaxation, meditation or hypnosis – These techniques engage the body to calm the mind, reduce rumination, reduce anxiety and help the individual to be present in the moment. They are very useful when the depression is accompanied by stress or fatigue. Why are these therapies so important?  Because they make it possible to act on those symptoms that medicines treat less effectively: guilt, intrusive thoughts, psychological pain, relational difficulties or loss of self confidence.  3. Physical treatmentIn some situations treatment that acts on the brain can be proposed.Electroconvulsive therapy (ECTY) that is a modern treatment, administered under close medical supervision and that bears no relation to the images you find in certain films.  Here is the reality of ECT: It is administered under a general anaesthetic of short duration (as for minor surgery),The patient feels nothing, no pain,The whole procedure is monitored by a trained and experienced medical team.ECT is only used in special cases, such as extremely severe depression with a vital risk or when eating has become impossible. In these situations it can be very effective and very rapid and thereby save lives. The psychiatrist always takes the time to explain everything and answer questions. Nothing is done without the patient’s consent. 4. Work on lifestyleThis is not a question of “giving advice” as lifestyle is an inherent part of the treatment. When sleep or diet are disrupted over a long period, or physical activity is very reduced, the brain itself suffers from the effects and the depression deepens. At the H.U.B teams support patients on the road to improvement:   Sleep – Understanding the body’s rhythm, restoring regularity, treating insomnia (unable to get to sleep or waking up often) or hypersomnia (sleeping too much).   Diet – Some people lose their appetite while others eat to calm psychological pain. Personalised support makes it possible to avoid deficiencies and to stabilise energy.  Physical activity – This improves mood as much as certain drugs and helps relieve anxiety. No performance level is required and just a few minutes’ physical activity a day is enough to start with.  Stress management – Breathing, relaxation, total awareness and organisation of everyday life are all tools that make days brighter and avoid relapse. A new outpatient consultation dedicated to treatment-resistant depression: rapid and effective accessThe H.U.B has opened a specialised consultation providing access to an innovative treatment: esketamine. This treatment acts differently to conventional antidepressants and in 60 % of patients a notable improvement is observed where other treatments have failed.  Why is this major progress?The treatment is reimbursed for episodes of treatment-resistant depression (by the terms of INAMI [National Institute  for Health and Disability Insurance] regulations).It requires no hospitalisation: everything takes place as an outpatient, with nursing and medical supervision.Once the treatment is validated by a psychiatrist, appointments can be made quickly whereas other Belgian hospitals have very long waiting lists.  It is a complementary treatment that supplements usual antidepressants.  Dr Youssouf Ramdani : “This treatment does not work miracles, but it does give an additional chance to people who are sometimes locked into a suffering that is lasting.”  Why outpatient treatment?Because today it is no longer necessary to be hospitalised to benefit from specialised treatment. The aim is to:  Propose flexible proximity treatment to people who live in the region,To reduce treatment waiting times,To ensure continuous monitoring by the usual care staff.The H.U.B: a place where we care for the entire personDepression is treated by a team of psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, sleep specialists, dieticians, algologists, etc. The aim is to ensure that no patient is “shunted around” from one department or hospital to another.  “Mental and physical health are linked. A person can never be defined solely by their symptoms. Our mission is to support the individual in their entirety,” concludes Professor Pierre Oswald Are you seeking help? Do you think this may concern you?Contact The H.U.B Department of PsychiatryTelephone : +32 (0)2 555 43 20Email: Cons [dot] Psy [dot] erasme [at] hubruxelles [dot] be (Cons[dot]Psy[dot]erasme[at]hubruxelles[dot]be) Solutions exist. You are not alone. Make an appointment

Our Geriatric Rehabilitation Center (GRC) is undergoing a major transformation to provide both patients and care teams with a more comfortable, modern, and well-adapted environment. Read more Renovations designed for comfort and safety The building is being fully modernized. Key improvements include:Modernization of technical installations: new boiler, connection to city water network, new main electrical panel, upgraded ventilation, new hot and cold water distribution, radiators, and a new nurse call system.Installation of a new elevator, improving vertical circulation within the building — a benefit for patients with reduced mobility, beds, and medical equipment.These upgrades ensure a safer and more comfortable environment, fully in line with current technical and sanitary standards.Redesigned rooms for more comfort and privacyPatient rooms have been completely rethought:Double rooms increased from 14 m² to 26 m², providing significantly more comfort and dignity.Brighter rooms with warm, contemporary materials.Each room will have a full bathroom: walk-in shower, sink, and wall-mounted toilet — a major improvement for autonomy and comfort.Wider doors for easier bed access and fully equipped bed panels for medical needs (medical gases, electrical outlets).These changes create a more humane, serene, and dignified living environment that meets modern expectations of comfort and privacy.A better work environment for care teamsThese renovations also benefit the daily work of our staff. A modern, functional, and comfortable environment supports efficient care and the well-being of patients. Thanks to all teams Despite the ongoing works, GRC staff remain professional and dedicated, adapting to temporary inconveniences with care and attention, always prioritizing patient well-being.By modernizing the GRC, H.U.B. is investing in high-quality, safe, and welcoming care environments for every geriatric patient. We thank all patients and their families for their patience and trust.ContactReception: +32 (0)2 777 22 00Admission: Tél : +32 (0)2 777 23 38 - Email : admission [dot] CRG [dot] erasme [at] hubruxelles [dot] be (admission[dot]CRG[dot]erasme[at]hubruxelles[dot]be)Secretariat: Tél: +32 (0)2 777 23 33 ou Tél: +32 (0)2 777 23 31 - Email: SecMed [dot] CRG [dot] erasme [at] hubruxelles [dot] be (SecMed[dot]CRG[dot]erasme[at]hubruxelles[dot]be) Visiting hours: De 14h à 20h

For many families dealing with an eating disorder (ED), festive meals can become a source of anxiety. To support you during this period, the ED Reference Centre is setting up dedicated telephone support lines. Telephone support lines to help families through the festive seasonThe end-of-year holidays are often associated with sharing, warmth and togetherness… but they can also become a challenging period when a young person is living with an eating disorder (ED).Long meals, social pressure, comments about food or weight – all of these can create stress and worry for young people and their families.To support parents and relatives during this sensitive time, the Eating Disorders Reference Centre at the University Hospital of Brussels is offering dedicated telephone support lines.Telephone Support – Eating Disorders Reference CentreOur teams are available to help you:• prepare meals in a calm and reassuring way• anticipate difficult situations• answer questions related to food and eating• support parents, young people and professionals• find guidance to navigate this period with greater confidence Phone number: 02 555 65 96Support Line Schedule Food-related questionsWith Charlotte Dupont, DietitianThursday 18/12 – 13:30 → 15:00“Relational support” phone linesMondays 22 & 29/12 and Tuesdays 23 & 30/12 – 9:00 → 10:30Wednesdays 24 & 31/12 – 11:00 → 15:00Listening, guidance and personalised supportEvery family experiences the holiday season differently. These support lines aim to provide a warm, understanding space where parents and young people can receive practical advice and emotional support, helping them approach festive meals with less stress and pressure.If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call us.cdr [dot] ctca [at] hubruxelles [dot] be (Envoyer un mail )Erasme Medical Center (EMC)Route de Lennik 900 − 1070 Bruxelles Centre de référence TCAService de Psychiatrie du bébé, de l'enfant, de l'adolescent et du jeune adulte    

When suffering a stroke or when a loved one suffers one, the initial urgency is survival, recovery and rehabilitation. But several weeks or months later some patients face an unexpected phenomenon:  epileptic seizures. Read more Interview with Professor Nicolas Gaspard, Head of the Department of Neurology at the H.U.BWhen suffering a stroke or when a loved one suffers one, the initial urgency is survival, recovery and rehabilitation. But several weeks or months later some patients face an unexpected phenomenon:  epileptic seizures when they have never had one previously. This can be surprising, worrying and sometimes misinterpreted. This article is to help you understand  what is happening without over-dramatising it.  1. Why can an epileptic seizure occur after a stroke?A stroke leaves a small scar in the brain. In approximately 1 in 10 patients this scar becomes the point of departure for epileptic seizures. This has nothing to do with any seizures experienced on the day of the stroke as the latter are caused by the acute event whereas epilepsy is a disease that develops over time. “This phenomenon is not rare, especially when the stroke has been severe or in the case of a haemorrhagic stroke,” explains Professor Gaspard.2. And if the person was already epileptic?“This is a much less common situation. A stroke does not usually change the nature of a pre-existing epilepsy. But in persons aged over 65, an epilepsy of vascular origin (related to the blood vessels) is very common,”    explains Professor Gaspard.In other words: when an elderly person starts having epileptic seizures it could be a sign that they are at risk of a stroke. In these cases the doctors put into place a policy of strict prevention, as if it were a first stroke. 3. What are the warning signs after a stroke?  Epileptic seizures can take many different forms. They do not always resemble “conventional” convulsions. The following should cause you to see a doctor quickly:  Loss of consciousness, even briefly;Involuntary shaking;Sudden speech difficulty;These can resemble a further stroke, which means there is even more reason for concern. If in doubt  call 112 or the Stroke Unit at the H.U.B.4. How is a diagnosis made?In most cases it is the account given by the patient or those close to them that is most helpful.  A recording of the brain activity (electroencephalogram - EEG) can show any anomalies but not always.  “Whatever the result, doctors make their diagnosis above all on the basis of what you describe to them,”  stresses Professor Gaspard.5. Effective treatmentThe good news is that stroke-related epilepsies respond very well to treatment: The vast majority of patients experience no further seizure  if they take the right medication. In deciding the treatment, doctors take into account:  Age;Memory and concentration (some medication can affect them);  Other treatment already followed.6. How to reduce the risk of further seizures?A few simple practices can make a real difference:Adhere strictly to the treatment, every day;Use a dosette box, alarms, or ask a close friend or relative for help in the event of any difficulties;Be sure to get regular sleep of good quality;Limit alcohol consumption;Tell the doctor about any  new medicine  as some may make seizures more likely.In shortPost-stroke epilepsy is not rare and nor is it inevitable. The treatment is effective and provided you are vigilant there is no reason why you cannot resume a normal life with peace of mind.  If there are any doubts  – an abnormal movement, disorientation  or brief lapses of consciousness, speech problem – it is important to seek medical advice. The H.U.B Stroke Unit is your privileged point of contact.Do you want to make an appointment with one of our specialists for yourself or a loved one? Then contact us by telephone on   +32 (0)2 555 33 52 or by email at cons [dot] neuro [dot] erasme [at] hubruxelles [dot] be (cons[dot]neuro[dot]erasme[at]hubruxelles[dot]be) Image