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Our role When an organ is no longer functioning (well), a donor can donate their organ. The healthy organ is transplanted to the patient, offering him or her the chance of a return to a normal life.     Image “Organ donation is a part of a system of Belgian and supranational solidarity. We identify the donors and register them with Eurotransplant which then allocates the organs to persons on the waiting list with priority for the most seriously ill. We also manage those on the waiting list and the organs we receive for our patients.”      Professor Thierry Gustot, Director of the H.U.B. Transplant Department. Our specialities Organ transplantation at the H.U.B. is organised transversally per organ and always involving two specialist departments. The Medical Department cares for persons with “organ insufficiencies” while they await a transplant and subsequently provides post-transplant monitoring, most notably managing the anti-rejection treatment and risk of infection. The Surgery Department is responsible for the actual organ removal and transplantation.  Responsibility for heart transplants lies with the Cardiac Insufficiency Clinic (cardiology) and thoracic surgery.Responsibility for lung transplants lies with pneumology for the medical aspects and with thoracic surgery. Responsibility for liver transplants  lies with gastroenterology for the medical aspects and with the Liver Transplant Clinic (digestive surgery).Responsibility for  kidney transplants lies with nephrology for the medical aspects and with the Kidney Transplant Functional Unit (digestive surgery).Overseeing these 4 transplant units is the Transplant Coordination Cell. This team of specialised nurses manages interaction between the donor centres and Eurotransplant as well as the waiting lists and interactions with the specialist doctors in charge of patients waiting for an organ. In the event of compatibility and agreement, the Cell organises the logistics of the transplant: communication with  the patient, secure transport of the organ, mobilisation of the surgery team, reserving of a room in the operating area, etc.    Our Team Image Our medical specialists Focus The H.U.B. Transplant Department has expertise in what liver transplants can contribute in the case of multivisceral insufficiency (kidney, circulation, brain, etc.). The director of the department is also Principal Investigator for a major global study on the subject (CHANCE).     Research The H.U.B. Transplant Department works with the Institute of Medical Immunology on research projects relating to transplant immunology (rejection, organ tolerance, ischaemia-reperfusion, etc.) The department also works on terminal phase liver insufficiency, in partnership with the Experimental Gastroenterology Department.   Teaching The H.U.B. Transplant Department organises the Sympadot, an annual symposium dedicated to the latest progress in organ donation and transplantation. This symposium is for all local coordinators of organ donations within the H.U.B.-ULB network.    Publications Early liver transplantation for severe alcohol-related hepatitis not responding to medical treatment : a prospective controlled study. Autors : Louvet A, Labreuche J, Moreno C, Vanlemmens C, Moirand R, et al. Lancet Gastroenterol HepatolJournal : 2022 ;7(5) :416-425. PMID 35202597 A randomized controlled trial of liposomal cyclosporine A for inhalation in the prevention of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome following lung transplantation. Journal : Am J Transplant 2022 ;22(1) :222-229. PMID 34587371. Long-term outcome after venoarterial extracorporeal mebrane oxygenation as bridge to left ventricular assist device preceding heart transplantation. Autors : Coeckelenbergh S, Valente F, Mortier J, et al.Journal : J Cardiothorac Vasdc Anesth 2022 ;36(6) :1694-1702. PMID 34330577. 5-year outcomes of the prospective and randomized CISTCERT study comparing steroid withdrawal to replacement of cyclosporine with everolimus in de novo kidney transplant patients. Journal : Transpl Int 2021 ;34(2) :313-326. PMID : 33277746.

On this World Obesity Day, Professor Jean-Charles Preiser, from the Department of Internal Medicine and expert within the team of the Integrated Obesity Centre at H.U.B, explains the new approaches to managing this chronic disease. Prevention, Comprehensive Assessment and a Tailored Approach At the Integrated Obesity Centre of H.U.B, Professor Jean-Charles Preiser from the Department of Internal Medicine sees patients with very different profiles. Some come because of high blood pressure, others for poorly controlled diabetes, joint pain, or sleep disorders. And then there are those who simply walk in and say, “Doctor, I have a problem with my weight.”“My role,” he explains, “is first to have a global vision. Obesity does not affect just one organ. It can involve the heart, the liver, the joints, the metabolism, and sleep.”Behind the word “obesity” there is often a silent accumulation of complications: diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnoea, fatty liver disease, certain cancers. Sometimes already present. Sometimes still invisible.An assessment to understand, not to judgeThe first step is not treatment, but assessment. Blood tests to detect sometimes asymptomatic diabetes. Blood pressure measurement. Sleep evaluation. Screening for liver damage, sometimes completely silent.“We systematically investigate potential complications. Not to make the file heavier, but to guide treatment,” emphasises Professor Preiser.Today, management has evolved. The options are numerous: structured dietary support; psychological support (particularly in cases of eating disorders); drug treatments; and even bariatric surgery for the most severe cases.“A few years ago, surgery represented a significant share of referrals. Today, drug treatments occupy an increasing place. About one patient out of two benefits from them. Surgery concerns a minority of cases, around 20%,” says Professor Preiser.New generations of medications, notably incretin analogues (GLP-1, GIP), have changed the therapeutic landscape. They are part of the current arsenal, with significant results in many patients. But they are neither automatic nor universal. Their cost remains high and reimbursement is limited to certain situations, particularly in cases of poorly controlled diabetes.“There is no single treatment. There is a strategy tailored to each patient,” he insists.“It’s all because of your weight”: moving beyond shortcutsMany patients arrive with a sense of exhaustion: after hearing consultation after consultation that all their symptoms are related to their weight.Dr Preiser nuances this: “Yes, obesity increases the risk of many complications. But the probability of developing a disease is not strictly proportional to the degree of obesity.”Some people living with severe obesity for years present few complications. Others, with more moderate obesity, develop early metabolic or cardiovascular problems.Why? Genetic background plays a major role. Family history — heart attack, stroke, liver disease, diabetes — guides the level of risk. The association with other factors, such as alcohol consumption or smoking, also changes the picture.The message is clear: obesity is an important risk factor, but it does not explain everything. Each situation deserves individual analysis.A new definition: looking at fat mass, not only weightSince 2025, the definition of obesity has evolved: it is no longer only total body weight that matters, but the proportion of fat mass.“The objective is not to make patients lose muscle or water. What we aim for is a reduction in fat mass while preserving muscle mass,” Professor Preiser reminds us.This approach is particularly important in geriatrics, where muscle loss can worsen frailty and increase the risk of falls. Hence the importance of sufficient protein intake and adapted physical activity, even during drug treatment.Men and women: different risksComplications are not identical depending on sex. In women, obesity can lead to fertility disorders or polycystic ovary syndrome. After menopause, the risk of breast cancer increases in cases of obesity. Knee pain is also more frequent.In men, there is a greater accumulation of cardiovascular risk factors and a higher frequency of certain digestive cancers and prostate cancer.In both cases, screening remains essential. Treating obesity after cancer, for example, can help reduce the risk of recurrence.Increasingly younger patientsThe most striking evolution in recent years concerns the age of patients.“Obesity is increasing among children and adolescents, often against a background of socio-economic and cultural factors. Sedentary lifestyles, accentuated by the COVID period, have played a role. Many obese young people become obese adults,” laments Professor Preiser.Some consult spontaneously, with a desire to understand and act early.Other situations are emerging: women undergoing medically assisted reproduction, where obesity management and fertility treatment occur in parallel. After childbirth, priority may shift to the newborn, pushing maternal health into the background. “These are human realities that must be integrated into care,” the geriatrician points out.The sensitive issue of relapseObesity is a chronic disease. Like any chronic disease, it can lead to relapse.After surgery, very rapid weight loss can lead to deficiencies or malabsorption problems, and weight regain may occur. With dieting alone, the “yo-yo effect” remains the typical failure when recommendations are not adapted to lifestyle or when an eating disorder is not addressed.Regarding recent medications, long-term data are still limited. Doses are adjusted progressively according to individual response and side effects. Discontinuation must be gradual, accompanied by increased physical activity and sufficient protein intake to preserve muscle mass. Strategies can be combined: drug treatment before or after surgery, reintroduction in case of weight regain.“The key is continuity of follow-up,” insists Professor Preiser.Changing the way we look at obesity and its managementSome patients arrive with a clear idea: “I want surgery” or “I want this new medication.” Sometimes they leave with a different proposal after a full assessment.“Our role is to explain that several options exist and that the choice depends on the overall medical evaluation,” Professor Preiser recalls.Obesity is not just a number on a scale. Nor is it a personal failure. It is a chronic, multifactorial disease, influenced by genetics, environment, lifestyle, and social context.Treating it is not only about losing weight. It is about preventing complications, preserving quality of life, rebuilding self-esteem, overcoming emotional wounds and destructive habits and, in the most severe cases, maintaining autonomy.For those living with obesity — or supporting a loved one affected by obesity — the message may be this: solutions exist. They are multiple, personalised, and evolving. And above all, they are built together with the patient, step by step, throughout their care pathway and life journey.Multidisciplinary team-based careAt H.U.B, care is multidisciplinary: internists, endocrinologists, dietitians, psychologists, gastroenterologists, hepatologists, cardiologists, and sleep specialists. This network organisation prevents patients from facing a complex disease alone. Contact the Obesity Centre Pr. Jean-Charles Preiser Also read: The role of dietetics in the multidisciplinary management of obesityIngrid Hanson, a dietitian accredited by the Federal Public Service for Public Health at the Integrated Obesity Center of H.U.B., explains the delicate issue of nutrition for patients who wish or need to lose weight. Discover the interview. 

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.

What is Tuberous sclerosis? Tuberous sclerosis, also known as Bourneville disease,  is a rare genetic disease characterised by the development of benign tumours principally affecting the brain, skin, eyes, kidneys, heart and lungs. The consequences are of variable severity but are potentially serious. There is a high risk of epilepsy and also retarded development, intellectual disability and autism when the brain is affected. There can also be a significant impact on health and quality of life when other organs are affected.  Treatment This disease requires an early diagnosis, in early childhood or even before birth, and monitoring by a specialised multidisciplinary team. This is arranged at the Children’s Hospital in the form of regular and systematic consultations with the various specialists. For the comfort of the children and their families the consultations are held on the same day and take place once a year, although sometimes more frequently depending on the age and particularities of the child. The monitoring begins before birth and continues through the growth years of childhood and into adulthood.   As they reach adulthood a transition consultation can be arranged at the Erasmus Hospital. An early screening for epilepsy, before the appearance of the first symptoms, is proposed systematically so as to avert the consequences. Depending on their individual situation, patients can benefit from innovative treatment in line with international recommendations. Our team cooperates closely with other specialists and paramedical teams  at the Children’s Hospital and with specialist teams, for epilepsy surgery in particular, if the child’s situation requires it. We network with GPs and paediatricians, child therapists (physiotherapists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, psychologists etc.), support services, respite care services, associations and psycho-medico-social centres.    Specific care pathways Our team cooperates closely with national and international centres that care for persons with tuberous sclerosis as well as with parents’ associations to achieve a continuous improvement in patient care and to disseminate information on this rare disease and its treatment.  Our specialists Children's patients (Children's Hospital)The multidisciplinary consultation is organised by the Neuroaediatrics Department (Co-ordinating doctor: Dr Anne Monier; Co-ordinating secretary: Ms Daniela Wayllace).Coordinating doctor and neuropaediatrician: Dr Anne MonierDermatologist: Dr Pamela El NemnomOphthalmologist: Dr Sophie LhoirNephrologist: Dr Khalid IsmailiCardiologist : Dr Hugues DessyGeneticist: Dr Catheline VilainCoordinating secretary: Mme Daniela Wayllace (02 477 39 67)Adult patients (Erasme Hospital)The consultation is organised by the Neurology Department (Cons [dot] Neuro [dot] erasme [at] hubruxelles [dot] be (Cons[dot]Neuro[dot]erasme[at]hubruxelles[dot]be))Neurologist: Dr Chantal Depondt

Contacting the Emergency Department In the event of a life-threatening emergency, dial 112 immediately.Emergency Department address:Rue Meylemeersch 56, 1070 BrusselsOpen 24 hours a day, 7 days a weekFor any other questions or informationEmergency Department Reception:+32 (0)2 555 34 02Medical Secretariat:Ms. Klein Maryse – Ms. Stéphanie Vanlier+32 (0)2 555 34 00Secmed [dot] urgences [dot] Erasme [at] hubruxelles [dot] bePlease contact us between 8:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. and from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. for all requests related to documents, certificates and attestations. Image How to reach the Emergency Department? Our department is accessible:By car – visitor parking located directly next to the Emergency DepartmentBy public transport (metro – Line 5, Erasme station)By ambulance – via 112Clear signage is provided from the hospital entrance to the Emergency Department reception. Image Upon arrival at the Emergency Department If you come to the Emergency Department on your own, please go directly to the administrative reception desk located at the entrance of the department.Please bring with you:Your identity cardYour health insurance cardAny additional health insurance coverageRelevant medical documents (prescriptions, health record, etc.)In case of waiting timeAlthough we do everything possible to reduce waiting times, a waiting period may be necessary depending on patient volume and the severity of ongoing cases. We therefore recommend that you bring:A phone chargerA book, tablet or headphonesItems to occupy young children: toys, comfort items, snacks, etc.Our team will keep you informed throughout your care. Thank you for your patience and understanding. Image Our role The Emergency Department of the H.U.B. brings together three university hospitals (Erasme Hospital, the Jules Bordet Institute and the Children’s Hospital - HUDERF) and provides the population with access to general and specialized medical care 24/7.A qualified team of emergency physicians and specialized nurses ensures follow-up of complex conditions already treated within our institution, facilitates coordination with specialists, and welcomes all new patients regardless of the actual or perceived severity of their condition.The Emergency Department has recently been completely redesigned to offer a modern, functional and patient-centered environment. Through an ambitious renovation, we have placed people at the heart of care. Our department is organized to provide patients and their families with a smooth care pathway, guiding patients through dedicated care zones adapted to the severity of their condition, in a safe and caring environment.Key figuresCapacity of 40,000 patients per year3 triage boxes + 4 care zonesUp to 8 beds in the Observation Unit (UDS)Dedicated pediatric and adult careBilingual service: FR / NLTeaching mission for physicians in training Image Image Image Vision and operating model Our mission is based on three fundamental pillars:Care: providing respectful and compassionate reception to every patientCure: ensuring accurate diagnosis and rapid treatmentCounsel: guaranteeing clear information and appropriate medical follow-upOur visionTo create a smooth, humane and efficient patient experience, supported by an innovative organization and an architecture designed around care.A paired care modelEach patient is cared for by a medical–nursing duo from arrival and throughout their entire care pathway. This model significantly improves quality of care, communication and safety.We also benefit from a unique multidisciplinary team in Brussels: emergency physicians, internists, anesthesiologists, surgeons, senior pediatricians, and more. This breadth of expertise guarantees comprehensive, high-level care. Our infrastructure Our new infrastructure, designed around the concept of “function supported by architecture”, includes:Triage areasTriage levels 1 to 3: rapid assessment according to severityTriage 3 – Ultra Ultra Short Stay: minor cases that can be treated quickly without hospitalizationCare areasZones 1, 2 and 3: according to medical complexityTriage 4: minor conditions not requiring hospitalizationShock room: for the most critical casesObservation Unit (UDS)6 to 8 temporary hospitalization bedsShort-term monitoring (3 to 24 hours)Waiting for an inpatient bed when necessaryTrauma careSpecialized area for surgical and orthopedic emergenciesDirect access to medical imaging for faster treatmentWhat’s next?Renovation work continues with:Renovation of the psychiatric care areaReorganization of medical examination rooms and the medical-nursing workspaceAll work is carried out without interruption of services, with full respect for patient and staff comfort. Our team Emergency physiciansNurses specialized in emergency careInternists, anesthesiologists, surgeons and pediatriciansPsychiatristsAmbulance staff and SMUR/SAMU driversAdministrative and reception staffDirector of the Emergency DepartmentDr. Adeline HIGUETDirector of the H.U.B. Pediatric DepartmentDr. Inge ROGGENDeputy DirectorProf. Nicolas MPOTOS ResidentsDr. Stéphan WILMINDr. Isabelle TCHOUNKEUDr. Anouk ETIENNEDr. Hamza YOUSFIInternistsProf. Benoit VOKAERProf. Frédéric VANDERGHENSTHead NurseNele OSTYNHead Nurse of the Emergency DepartmentCarina GOOSSENS Image Image Image Image Our medical intervention vehicle The Emergency Department of Erasme Hospital operates a Medical Intervention Vehicle (MIV). On board are a driver, an emergency physician and a nurse. At the request of emergency services (112), they can be dispatched to the field with all necessary resuscitation equipment to provide immediate medical care. The MIV carries out nearly 2,000 missions per year in the Brussels region and Flemish Brabant. Accreditation as a Level 1 Trauma Center Since 2022, Erasme Hospital has been accredited as a Level 1 Trauma Center. This specialized care pathway is activated for severely injured patients with suspected serious internal injuries. They are managed by specialists in orthopedics, neurosurgery, digestive surgery, and more. The Trauma Center includes the Emergency Department, Intensive Care Unit, Blood Bank, Medical Imaging and Operating Theatre. Image Teaching Since 2020, future emergency physicians are required to complete training sessions at SimLab, the ULB simulation laboratory. Using mannequins connected to dedicated software, they learn clinical procedures (intubation, catheter placement, etc.), how to respond to realistic clinical scenarios, and how to communicate effectively with other healthcare professionals.

Our role Image Urology is concerned with pathologies of the urinary tract (bladder, ureter, urethra, kidneys, etc.) in men and women and urogenital pathologies in men (prostate, penis, testicles). Our speciality is both medical and surgical. In addition to diagnosis and treatment, we are also concerned with any complications. Most follow up is in the medium and long term. Our specialities The Urology Department is structured according to a number of areas of expertise:The Oncological Urology Clinic straddles the Erasmus Hospital and the Jules Bordet Institute. It provides multidisciplinary treatment for cancers of the bladder, prostate, kidneys, testicles and penis (cf Focus).The Prostate Clinic is concerned with non-cancerous pathologies of the prostate (prostatic hypertrophy for example). The treatment proposed (laser, thermotherapy, etc.) aims to maintain a maximum of sexual and urinary functions. Functional urology is concerned with problems connected to functions of the urogenital system. In particular, the   Incontinence Clinic proposes urodynamic testing and assessment and a full range of treatment depending on the type of incontinence. At the Traumatology and Rehabilitation Centre (CTR), neuro-urology consultations are proposed for patients who develop a urological problem following a neurological pathology or accident.  The Sexual Problems Clinic (erection or ejaculation problems, painful penetration, vaginismus, etc.) proposes multidisciplinary treatment bringing together urologists, sexologists, physiotherapists, etc. Urinary stones or lithiasis are diagnosed, treated and prevented, in cooperation with the Nephrology Department. Our team Image Our medical specialists Image Focus The Urology Department at the Brussels University Hospital (H.U.B.) has developed particular expertise in treating cancers of the penis. These rare but serious cancers are treated by means of minimally invasive robotic surgery and using the sentinel lymph node procedure. The department proposes an approach that causes the least damage possible as well as reconstructions following partial or complete amputation of the penis.  Research In fundamental research, the Urology Department, within the Brussels University Hospital (H.U.B.) and the experimental Medicine Laboratory, studies the role of certain enzymes in prostatic pathologies.The department also participates in clinical studies. One project carried out in cooperation with the Medical Imaging Department is seeking to establish eligibility criteria to avoid unnecessary punctures in (suspected) cases of prostate cancer. 

The Follow-up Centre for Very Preterm Infants at the University Hospital of Brussels is recognised in Belgium as a reference centre for neurodevelopmental monitoring and care In Belgium, around 1,500 babies are born each year before 32 weeks of pregnancy or with a birth weight below 1,500 grams. These babies are known as very preterm infants.From their very first hours of life, they are cared for in the neonatology units of the Erasme Hospital and the Queen Fabiola Children’s University Hospital (HUDERF), within the H.U.B – Brussels University Hospital.Medical and paramedical teams accompany these children from the incubator through to the age of five, giving them every chance to grow and develop securely.A dedicated environment for the very beginning of lifeWhen a baby is born too early, every gesture matters.In neonatology, care focuses on supporting the immaturity of developing organs: breathing, digestion and temperature regulation.Neonatologists, nurses, physiotherapists, psychologists and speech therapists work together to provide a stable, soothing and safe environment for these fragile infants.Parents — often torn between joy, exhaustion and anxiety — are involved at every step: skin-to-skin contact, participation in daily care, and regular discussions with the team.Supporting a very preterm infant also means supporting their parents.After neonatology: ensuring continuity of careGoing home is an emotional milestone — both joyful and unsettling.“Many parents ask themselves: What happens now? How will my child develop?” explains Dr Florence Christiaens, paediatric neurologist at the Brussels University Hospital.To meet these needs, the Follow-up Centre for Very Preterm Infants was created. It is recognised by the Belgian National Institute for Health and Disability Insurance (INAMI/RIZIV) as a reference centre for neurodevelopmental follow-up.This fully reimbursed programme allows early detection of possible motor, language or cognitive vulnerabilities.Where needed, early support can be offered: physiotherapy, speech therapy, psychomotricity or parental guidance.Scientific evidence is clear: early follow-up significantly improves the developmental outcomes and quality of life of very preterm infants.A structured pathway from infancy to early childhoodInfants born before 31 weeks of pregnancy or weighing less than 1,500 grams benefit from four multidisciplinary assessments, scheduled between 3 months and 5 years of corrected age.At each stage, the specialised team assesses motor skills, language, cognition, vision and hearing.Infants born between 31 and 32 weeks receive two assessments.These consultations are more than simple evaluations: they are also opportunities for dialogue, reassurance and support.Families can ask questions, share concerns and receive guidance throughout a journey often filled with strong emotions.   Grands prématurés : suivi neurodéveloppemental | Hôpital ErasmeService de néonatalogieAnderlecht : Service de Néonatalogie - Hôpital Erasme H.U.BLaeken : Néonatalogie | Hôpital Universitaire des Enfants Reine FabiolaBrochure Grands prématurés en ligne

Your loved ones can visit you between 3 pm and 7.30 pm. In single rooms they can visit between 1.30 pm and 7.30 pm. For the comfort of yourself and others, please ask your visitors to: • Leave the room when you receive care and doctors are present • Avoid staying too long or being present in large numbers• Strictly respect visiting hours Please note: Visiting hours in patient rooms may be adjusted based on the nature of the care, the patient's condition, and its severity to ensure optimal care conditions. Visiting hospitalised friends and relatives