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Enteroscopy
To ensure that you are clearly informed about this procedure, we invite you to read this information carefully. Your doctor is available to provide any additional explanations you may require. What is an enteroscopy? Enteroscopy is a visual examination of the small intestine that can reveal lesions, allowing your doctor to determine the cause of your symptoms or abnormal blood tests (anemia). If necessary, tissue samples (biopsies) can be taken for microscopic analysis or lesions can be treated. Why have an enteroscopy? Your doctor recommended this procedure due to symptoms suggesting a problem in the digestive tract (small intestine). Enteroscopy is performed using an endoscope (a flexible tube with a camera and light at the tip) to detect internal lesions and take biopsies if needed. It helps diagnose various conditions (diarrhea, abdominal pain, bowel transit disorders, bleeding, anemia, weight loss, tumor detection, etc.). Polyp removal or coagulation of bleeding lesions is also possible. How to prepare for an enteroscopy? Inform your doctor about your medical history and current medications (especially blood-thinning drugs: aspirin, Plavix, Sintrom, Xarelto, Eliquis, Pradaxa…). Also report any known allergies.For lower enteroscopy, the intestine must be completely clean to allow accurate examination and therapeutic procedures. Follow the preparation instructions carefully (low-residue diet in the days before the exam and bowel-clearing drink the day before). See the colonoscopy preparation instructions. For upper enteroscopy, no preparation the day before is needed.You must be fasting (no food, drink, or smoking) for at least 6 hours before the procedure. Remove any dental prostheses and glasses. How is an enteroscopy performed? A long flexible endoscope is inserted through the mouth (upper enteroscopy) or anus (lower enteroscopy) and advanced into the small intestine. Sometimes, an overtube or balloon system is used to facilitate progression. Air is insufflated to flatten the intestinal walls. You may feel bloated or have gas after the procedure. Various biopsies may be taken if your doctor deems it necessary.If polyps are found, they are removed with forceps or an electric knife (“polypectomy”). Vascular ectasias (angiomas) may be coagulated.For your comfort, general anesthesia is often offered. The procedure lasts approximately 45 to 90 minutes, depending on whether both upper and lower routes are used. Hospital observation overnight is required after anesthesia. Possible complications of enteroscopy Any medical procedure, even when performed under optimal conditions, carries a risk of complications.Enteroscopy complications are rare (intestinal perforation, hematomas in the wall or abdomen, bleeding, infections, cardiovascular problems). Hospitalization or surgery may sometimes be required. Risk may be higher with prior medical history or certain medications. Complications can occur on the day of the procedure or in the following days.In case of abnormal symptoms (severe abdominal pain, blood in stool – red or black, chills, fever), contact the treating doctor during office hours (Monday to Friday, 8:00 – 16:30):Endoscopy Clinic, Erasme General Hospital: 02/555.32.92Day Hospital: 02/555.37.77If unreachable, promptly contact your general practitioner, on-call doctor, or emergency department.Between patients, the endoscope is disinfected, and used accessories are sterilized or disposed of (single-use equipment).
Article
Epilepsy neurosurgery: honoring a rare specialty
In November 2024, this specialty will be highlighted during a dedicated event, underscoring the importance and advancements of epilepsy neurosurgery in Belgium. Healthcare professionals will have the opportunity to gather, share their knowledge, and explore new perspectives offered by this discipline. Epilepsy neurosurgery in Belgium: a leading specializationIn Belgium, neurosurgery, and more specifically epilepsy neurosurgery, represents a medical specialty that is both advanced and rare. Essential for the treatment of patients with epilepsy who are refractory to traditional medication treatments, this discipline is distinguished by its cutting-edge techniques and promising results.State-of-the-art equipment at the H.U.B.The Brussel University Hospital (H.U.B.) stands out for its use of advanced technologies for the treatment of epilepsy, notably SEEG (stereo-electroencephalography) and, soon, LITT (laser interstitial thermotherapy). The H.U.B. boasts some of the leading specialists who utilize this advanced equipment, crucial for pediatric patients resistant to traditional pharmaceutical treatments.SEEG: precision and effectivenessSEEG provides a detailed mapping of brain activity, accurately pinpointing epileptogenic zones. With this technique, neurosurgeons can identify the areas responsible for epileptic seizures with great precision, facilitating more targeted and effective interventions.LITT: minimally invasive innovationSoon, the H.U.B. will integrate LITT into its treatment protocols. This technique offers a minimally invasive solution for treating the epileptogenic zones identified by SEEG, using a laser to destroy the brain tissue responsible for seizures. LITT serves as an effective alternative to traditional open surgeries when the functional or cognitive risk is too high. It provides a curative solution for patients who were previously deemed inoperable.An international symposium in November 2024On November 8, 2024, the H.U.B. will host an international symposium dedicated to epilepsy neurosurgery. This event will bring together world-renowned experts to discuss the latest advancements and innovative perspectives in this highly specialized field. The goal is to improve the care of epilepsy patients and to promote cutting-edge surgical techniques.Practical InformationDate: November 8, 2024Time: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PMLocation: Museum of Medicine, Erasme Hospital ULB, 808 route de Lennik, 1070 BrusselsTo access the detailed program and register, please follow this link.
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Erasmus Fund for medical research
Together, we can save lives and improve the health and well-being of all.  Your donation is vital In making a donation you give us the means to achieve progress in medicine. Our research projects increase our understanding of diseases, improve our diagnoses and provide the basis for developing  new treatments.  Support medical progress today. THANK YOU To make a donation Contact & info Discover all the projects  supported by the Erasmus Fund Contact the Erasmus Fund fonds.erasme@ulb.be +32 2 555 43 59  
Health issues
Esophageal dysplasia
What is esophageal dysplasia? Dysplasia is a precancerous lesion. Various factors, including alcohol and tobacco consumption, as well as gastroesophageal reflux, can alter the type of cells lining the esophagus (for example, Barrett’s esophagus). In some cases, there is an increased risk of cancer. Today, it is possible to detect precancerous lesions and, in some cases, remove them (endoscopic resection by mucosectomy or endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD)) or ablate them by burning (radiofrequency). Esophageal dysplasia: what medical management at the H.U.B? Thanks to the expertise of the team and the latest-generation endoscopes available at the Endoscopy Clinic of Erasmus Hospital, it is possible to identify these precancerous lesions with great precision and treat them optimally, in order to limit the need for esophageal surgery and the risk of disease progression. The multidisciplinary approach typical of an academic hospital makes it possible to discuss each patient jointly with the surgical, oncological and radiological teams, in order to offer the best treatment to each patient.If you have undergone an endoscopy that showed the presence of Barrett’s esophagus or dysplastic (precancerous) lesions, and you wish to obtain the opinion of the specialized Erasme team, do not hesitate to make an appointment for a consultation (by email at ConsGastroMed [dot] erasme [at] hubruxelles [dot] be or by phone at +32 (0)2 555.35.04). Depending on your file, a new endoscopic evaluation may be proposed using our latest-generation endoscopes, in order to define the best treatment to offer. Discover the H.U.B Endoscopy Clinic Esophageal dysplasia: what scientific and medical innovations at the H.U.B? Our hospital benefits from accreditation from the INAMI/RIZIV for the use of radiofrequency to treat Barrett’s esophagus endoscopically (in cases of precancerous lesions or after ablation of an early cancer). In addition, Erasme Hospital is accredited by the INAMI/RIZIV as a reference center for esophageal surgery (specialized contracted center), making this multidisciplinary approach crucial for better patient treatment. Finally, several scientific publications have been issued by the team on this subject in recent years, demonstrating the pioneering nature of the endoscopy clinic in this field. Our Contributions to Scientific Research As members of a leading academic hospital, our healthcare professionals conduct scientific research projects to advance medicine and continuously improve the quality of care provided to patients. View the list of our scientific publications
Esophageal dysplasia
Information
Estimation of an intervention
Planned interventionUterine curettageEnlarged or partial lung resectionPleurotomyTrepanation flap surgery for an intracranial supratentorial expansive processComputer-assisted intraoperative navigation, including computer-assisted preoperative planning and single-use equipment (markers)Lumbar laminarthrectomyEndocranial stereotaxisGastroplastyunilateral inguinal, femoral or obturator herniabilateral inguinal, femoral or obturator herniaprimary hernia of the abdominal wall (including umbilical hernia, epigastric hernia, spinal hernia or lumbar hernia)incisional abdominal wall hernia (including recurrence after treatment of a primary abdominal wall hernia and parastomal hernias)CholecystectomyCholecystectomy with intraoperative cholangiographyRight or left hemi-colectomy or segmental resection of the colon or resection of the sigmoid or partial resection of the rectum with restoration of continuityAppendectomySurgical removal of anal fistulaRadical haemorrhoid treatment Intra-ocular procedures: Transparsplana vitrectomyExtracapsular extraction of the lensComplete unilateral surgical treatment of inflammatory pathology in three or four sinusesFunctional surgery of the atrial chainSurgical treatment of a herniated disc other than cervicalTotal thyroidectomyAmygdalectomieSubperichondral and subperiosteal correction of the nasal septumTotal cure of a bladder tumour by endoscopic resectionEndoscopic prostate resectionTotal prostatectomy, including removal of the vesicular block with urethrovesical sutureUreteroscopySurgical treatment of hallux valgusHip arthroplasty with total prosthesisRemoval or destruction of superficial skin tumours of any kindBirthCaesarean sectionExcision of a polyp from the colon, ileum or jejunum, using a diathermic loop, by endoscopy Coronary dilatation with stentPercutaneous endovascular dilatation with or without stent placementNeurological embolisationPercutaneous occlusion under medical imaging control of the arterial or venous vascularisation of pathological lesions or arterial haemorrhage in the facial, thoracic, abdominal or pelvic region, including handling and monitoring during treatment and the catheters used, excluding the embolisation catheter(s) used, pharmaceutical and contrast products, embolisation equipment, etc. Which policyholder are you?Ordinary insured (in mutual order)Increased intervention beneficiaryPrivate (no mutual insurance in Belgium) Which room would you like?Single roomTwin bedroom Estimate your costs in case of an intervention