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Pet therapy is progressively becoming part of hospital life where it is increasingly appreciated. The practice uses interactions with animals to improve the health and well-being of patients, both physically and psychologically. At the Erasmus Hospital, Yuki brings joy to patients and staff alike. Our four-legged friend joined the team at the intensive care unit 2 years ago, on 25 December 2022. A heartwarming story for this festive season!  Pet therapy:  many benefitsAt the H.U.B., non-pharmacological approaches to managing stress, pain and more widely the quality of life of patients in intensive care is of primordial importance. Every Sunday Yuki spends quality time with each patient who wishes to see him while never forgetting the animal’s welfare. The presence of an animal has a calming effect, soothing anxiety. It also benefits the physical and emotional health of patients by reducing their sense of isolation. Patients can simply spend a little time with him, stroking and patting him and also playing with him in a way that requires some basic but important movements.  Yuki has already helped 110 of our patients in this way. A very strict hygiene protocol is of course respected prior to each hospital visit and between visits to each patient.    Tika, the neighbour at the Children’s HospitalSupported by the H.U.B, Claire, a nurse at the Erasmus Hospital and initiator of the Yuki project, has now built on the same initiative at the Children’s Hospital where she has organised the arrival of Tika, a Dachshund puppy aged 8 months. Tika is currently being trained with a dog trainer familiar with the hospital environment and animal-assisted therapy and is now slowly starting her bedside visits to our young patients. Like Yuki, she is beginning at the intensive care unit. Her presence in a  paediatric care environment is having the same positive impact: reduction of stress and anxiety, improved mood, emotional support, stimulation of social interaction and assistance with rehabilitation for our young patients. 

Discover the “#investigation” report produced by RTBF This report highlights a real challenge: the well-being of seniors and health care systems must work together At the start of the report, meet the volunteers from the Erasmus Hospital who work every day for the well-being of patients. We would like to thank them once again for their dedication, their good humor and their daily presence! A special note for Jacqueline: the oldest of our volunteers who will be celebrating her 90th birthday this year! Article and report

The Department of Gynaecology recently inaugurated a new fully equipped unit dedicated to outpatient hysteroscopy at the Erasmus Hospital. The H.U.B is the third French-speaking centre in Belgium to propose this operative procedure during consultations for patients with abnormal uterine bleeding due to an intracavitary pathology. Dr. Ludovica Imperiale, gynaecologist specialised in minimally invasive surgery and head of the H.U.B Bleeding Clinic, discusses the benefits of offering such an integrated approach to hysteroscopy. Interview with Dr. Ludovica Imperiale What is the nature of the treatment pathway of a patient who is to undergo a hysteroscopy?Normally we propose a hysteroscopy to patients with a potential pathology of the uterine cavity, such as fibriols, polyps or endometrial cancer. It can also be proposed to patients who have given birth or had a miscarriage and who have retained placenta. The point in common between all these pathologies is that they cause abnormal uterine bleeding  in the patients. That is why a hysteroscopy is a procedure carried out at the H.U.B’s Bleeding ClinicThe treatment pathway first involves an appointment with a gynaecologist who carries out a full examination and an ultrasound so as to view the uterus in its entirety. If necessary, a diagnostic hysteroscopy can be carried out during the  consultation to confirm the pathology. If the diagnostic hysteroscopy identifies an intracavitary pathology the patient returns for a second consultation for an operative hysteroscopy to treat the lesions in the uterusMost hospitals perform an operative hysteroscopy in the operating room as the procedure requires dilation of the uterus, a painful procedure that must be done under an anaesthetic. The H.U.B is the third hospital in French-speaking Belgium to propose an operative hysteroscopy during a consultation and to have acquired TruClear®, a leading edge technology developed by the Medtronic company that, thanks to its small size, makes it possible to remove polyps or any other intracavitary pathology, in most cases without pain or bleeding and without anaesthetic. This is a truly major innovation for patients who, after this painless and rapid procedure, are rapidly able to resume their day’s activities without the least side effect.  It should be stressed that an outpatient hysteroscopy is recommended in particular for “minor” pathologies. It is not a procedure that can be proposed to all patients. Operative hysteroscopy will be proposed to patients for whom the diagnostic hysteroscopy was painless and with a benign intracavitary pathology. Of course if these patients prefer a procedure under anaesthetic this solution remains accessible.  This outpatient approach is also interesting for the hospital in the sense that not using the operating rooms for hysteroscopies frees them for other procedures at the Day Hospital, thereby reducing waiting times for patients.  How do the new unit and new equipment facilitate the treatment pathway?Everything is done at a single location, at a consultation. In the new unit we have equipped for this we have a 3D ultrasound machine and instruments to carry out diagnostic hysteroscopies and, if necessary, biopsies.  We also have a TruClear® system  that is available for outpatient operative hysteroscopies as well as virtual reality headsets for hypnosis during the procedure. Also, this unit is adjacent to the Day Hospital which means, in the case of any complication, we have rapid access to the operating room. A specialised nurse, Mme Émilie Chasseriaud, is also on hand to accompany the doctors and patients during the procedure.    What expertise does the H.U.B have in this field?The H.U.B has real expertise in this field with a team of 6 gynaecologists from the Gynaecology Clinic (myself, Dr. Soria, Dr. Vanneste and Dr. Zingarelli) and from the Fertility Clinic (Dr. Moutard and Dr. Rabattu). We are all specialised in  minimally invasive surgery and trained in the procedure. Together, we carry out 500 diagnostic hysteroscopies and 200 operative hysteroscopies a year.MAR is another field in which hysteroscopy certainly has a place as patients who go to the Fertility Clinic often need an examination that includes an examination of their intrauterine cavity before commencing their MAR treatment.The Department of Haematology  is also integrated in the Bleeding Clinic treatment pathway so as to rule out coagulation disorders as being the cause of abnormal uterine bleeding  in a patient or to treat iron deficiency anaemia caused by abundant bleeding.  What message would you like to give to gynaecologists and GPs?  The H.U.B now proposes a consultation that is completely integrated in outpatient hysteroscopy at the Erasmus Hospital every day with short waiting times. We can act rapidly in treating patients with:•    Abnormal uterine bleeding during or between periods;•    Abnormal uterine bleeding in menopausal women;•    Iron deficiency anaemia with no evident cause identified in a blood test;For any urgent request for an appointment or opinion for a patient, the gynaecology consultation can be contacted directly  by mail to Cons [dot] Gyn-Obs [dot] erasme [at] hubruxelles [dot] be (Cons[dot]Gyn-Obs[dot]erasme[at]hubruxelles[dot]be)   Contact and information Dr. Ludovica ImperialeHead of the H.U.B Bleeding Clinicludovica [dot] imperiale [at] hubruxelles [dot] be (ludovica[dot]imperiale[at]hubruxelles[dot]be) 

What is pancreatic cancer? Pancreatic cancer is the 4th cause of cancer deaths. In recent years the incidence of pancreatic cancer has continued to increase and today it accounts for 10-12 cases/100,000 persons. Pancreatic cancer develops from pre-cancerous lesions some of which are in the form of pancreatic cysts. Together with certain family factors, risk factors for this cancer are smoking, diabetes, alcohol consumption and obesity.   Care At our institutions we have developed a Fast Track care pathway for screening/diagnosing pancreatic cancer in all persons presenting a clinical (unexplained weight loss, jaundice, abdominal pain, decompensated diabetes) or radiological suspicion of cancer as well as for persons screened who are  at increased risk of pancreatic cancer (family history, chronic hereditary pancreatitis).  Following a pancreatic cancer diagnosis a complete medical check-up is carried out and the results discussed at a multidisciplinary meeting so as to decide on the line of treatment. If the pancreatic cancer is considered to be localised and resectable, pancreatic surgery can be envisaged, possibly  following  induction treatment (chemotherapy +/- radiotherapy). If it is non-resectable or metastatic, chemotherapy is proposed, possibly in the framework of study protocols. In Belgium, pancreatic surgery has been centralised since July 2019 at 15 experienced hospitals (including 6 French-speaking hospitals) with a high volume of pancreatic interventions so as to improve the care quality. The Erasmus Hospital is the leading French-speaking hospital in terms of the annual number of pancreatic surgery operations.     Research The HUB is active in developing new treatment approaches and initiated a multicentric study ((STEREOPAC) to assess the impact of stereotaxic radiotherapy (radiotherapy targeted at the tumour) following neoadjuvant chemotherapy in the case of localised pancreatic cancer .The Digestive Oncology Department is linked to the Laboratory of Experimental Gastroenterology (LGE) of the ULB’s Faculty of Medicine and to the Jules Bordet Institute’s GI Lab where a number of research projects are carried out, in particular on the immune-molecular impact of pancreatic cancer treatment.   A number of our doctors are members of various national and international groups of experts, namely :  the Belgian Group of Digestive Oncology, the Belgian Pancreatic Group, the Belgian Pancreatic Cancer Group, the European Society of Digestive Oncology and the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. Our specialists Image Multidisciplinary bilio-pancreatic pathology group Associated services Publications Preoperative treatment with mFFX or GemNab and iHDSBRT (STEREOPAC trial) Authors : Bouchart et al Journal : BMC Cancer NAC associated with iHD-SBRT does not increase complications after PD Authors : Navez J et al Journal : J Surg Oncol Stratification of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinomas Based on Tumor and Microenvironment Features Authors : Puleo et al Journal : Gastroenterology Assessment of response to chemotherapy in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: Comparison between diffusion-weighted MR quantitative parameters and RECIST Authors : Bali et al Journal : Eur J Radiol

There are two supervised car parks, managed by an external company. There is also parking in the neighbouring streets (route de Lennik, motorway access road and industrial estate)Erasmus car park: Covered - Open 24h/24h. Payment point 5 in the Bucopa gallery accepts Bancontact, Maestro, Mastercard and Visa payment cardsLennik car park: Open Monday to Friday, from 6.30 am to 10.30 pm. Closed weekends and public holidaysThese car parks can be accessed from exit 15a without entering the Low Emission Zone (LEZ - see LEZ map). Image Tarifs "Erasmus" car parkDuration"Lennik" car park" /30 min/2,80 € 1h1,50 €5,70 €2h3,30 €8,60 €3h4,50 €11,40 €4h6,00 €14,20 €5h6,00 €17,00 €6h6,00 €18,00 €7h – (7 to 24h)6,00 €18,00 €8h 6,00€18,00 €9h - 24h6,00€/1 day//Weekend rate/Weekly rate:€55//Monthly rate: €145//Lost ticket10 €10 € A car park for emergencies and a car park in front of the Day Hospital are also accessible for persons visiting these units.  There are two supervised car parks, managed by an external company.

What is Parkinson’s disease? Parkinson’s disease is a common neurodegenerative disease, the second most common after Alzheimer’s. It is caused by a lack of the neurotransmitter dopamine that is present deep in the brain. Parkinson’s is estimated to affect some 30,000 people in Belgium, which is about 2.5 people for every 1,000 inhabitants. Parkinson’s disease is slightly more prevalent among men than women. The causes remain unclear and complex genetic and environmental factors are no doubt involved. Typical signs of Parkinson’s are resting tremors, stiffness and slowness of movement. There can also be non-motor symptoms that may affect sleep, behaviour or memory for example. Treatment Neurologists can prescribe medication. This does not treat the disease itself but is effective in alleviating symptoms. Physiotherapy can also play an important role in maintaining a good physical condition. A complete physiotherapy assessment can be carried out in cooperation with the Centre for Adult Neurological Functional Rehabilitation. At an advanced stage of the disease, deep brain stimulation  may be proposed in cooperation with the Department of Neurosurgery, especially for persons  aged under 70. Other persons can benefit from pump treatment that introduces medication into the digestive tract. This is carried out in cooperation with the Department of Gastroenterology.    Other diseases Certain rare diseases can resemble the early stages of Parkinson’s disease. Neurologists will draw on their expertise to detect specific signs of these diseases that are known as  Parkinson-plus syndromes and they will make the differentiation, often in cooperation with the Departments of Diagnostic Neuroradiology, Nuclear Medicine and in association with neuropsychologists.   Not all tremors indicate Parkinson’s. Essential tremor is a disease that can be distinguished by the fact that the trembling is the only symptom and is distinctive in that it occurs when making certain movements, such as eating, drinking or brushing your teeth. It is often overlooked despite the fact that it is probably more common than Parkinson’s disease. It can be treated very effectively with medication and more rarely with neurosurgery.   Dystonia is a neurological disease resulting in an abnormal muscle tone caused by a bad signal sent by the brain. Persons with dystonia suffer from involuntary muscle contractions. This causes abnormal posture or movements, such as torticolis, writer’s cramp and blepharospasm (involuntary contraction of the eyelid muscles). It can also be generalised, confining patients  to a wheelchair or distorting  the skeleton. It can affect people of any age, including children. Treatment is by medication, especially botulinum toxin injections, and sometimes by neurosurgery with deep brain stimulation.   Huntington’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease characterised by involuntary movements that are called chorea, cognitive disorders and behavioural disorders. It is transmitted by parents to the children with a 50% risk of transmission. A simple genetic test gives a diagnosis with 100% certainty. There is worldwide registration of Huntingdon’s disease, on the  Enroll-HD research platform to which we contribute, and that operates as a gateway to possible clinical trials. Treatment is for the symptoms only and of limited effectiveness although progress in recent years is encouraging.  Other pathologies are also treated:   restless leg syndrome, Gilles de la Tourette syndrome, paroxymal dyskinesia, orthostatic tremors, etc.   Our specialists Related service

On the occasion of World Parkinson’s Disease Day on April 11, 2026, Dr. Vincent Leclercq, neurologist and specialist in movement disorders at H.U.B, sheds light on the current realities of the disease and the importance of appropriate care. Parkinson’s disease is often mentioned, sometimes feared, but still poorly understood. Tremors, a disease affecting only the elderly… misconceptions are numerous. Yet knowledge and treatments have evolved considerably in recent years.On the occasion of an information day for patients organized this Saturday, April 11, 2026, Dr. Vincent Leclercq, neurologist and specialist in movement disorders at the Movement Disorders Clinic of H.U.B, sheds light on the current realities of the disease and the importance of appropriate care. A disease that does not only affect the elderly Contrary to popular belief, Parkinson’s disease is not only a disease of older people.“It is primarily an adult disease,” explains Dr. Leclercq.On average, the first symptoms appear around the age of fifty. However, early-onset forms exist, sometimes beginning in one’s twenties, as well as diagnoses at 80 or 90 years old.The disease affects both men and women. In Belgium, it concerns approximately 5% of the population, making it a common condition and a real public health issue. Early warning signs Parkinson’s disease is not limited to tremors. Three major so-called “cardinal” symptoms should raise attention:Resting tremor, usually affecting one hand at first, on one side, occurring when the hand is at rest.Bradykinesia (slowness of movement): movements become slower and less precise, handwriting changes, difficulty buttoning a shirt, loss of fine dexterity.Gait disturbances: walking slows down, steps become smaller, the body may lean forward.The disease also includes many non-motor symptoms, often less visible yet highly disabling:Digestive or urinary disordersDifficulty concentratingSlowed thinkingSwallowing disordersThese symptoms are sometimes the main complaint of patients. In case of doubt, referral to a specialized consultation is essential. Image A clinical diagnosis, sometimes made at the first consultation Parkinson’s disease is one of the few neurological diseases whose diagnosis is primarily clinical.It is based on observation of symptoms and neurological examination. Additional tests may be performed in case of doubt but are not systematic. The announcement of the diagnosis is often a shock. “It is a moment that disrupts the patient’s life,” emphasizes Dr. Leclercq.The team ensures that the diagnosis is delivered with sufficient time to answer questions, allow emotional expression, and lay the foundations for reassuring care.An essential message must be heard: it is possible to live autonomously with proper care. Image Care adapted to each stage of the disease In the early stagesTreatment mainly relies on dopatherapy: supplying the brain with the dopamine it lacks.Results can be spectacular:Significant improvement in symptomsPreserved quality of life for several yearsPatients may remain stable for a long time, with follow-up consultations mainly aimed at adjusting treatment.In more advanced stagesAfter 5 to 10 years, medication effectiveness may fluctuate. “On” periods (when treatment works well) alternate with “off” periods.Advanced therapies may then be proposed:Subcutaneous pump delivering continuous dopamine via a small needleDigestive pump administering dopamine directly into the stomach via a tube placed endoscopicallyDeep brain stimulation: a neurosurgical procedure implanting electrodes in deep brain structures, connected to a generator under the skin, similar to a pacemaker. This continuous stimulation compensates for deficient electrical activityThese solutions often allow better stability and significantly improve quality of life. Image An unpredictable progression, but structured support Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease.Its progression varies greatly from person to person. Some patients progress very slowly, others more rapidly. To date, it is not possible to precisely predict the rate of progression.Loss of autonomy may occur over time, particularly due to:Gait disordersRisk of fallsSwallowing difficultiesHowever, things have changed.In the past, complications (falls, aspiration, infections) often led to death. Today, thanks to appropriate and multidisciplinary care, people no longer die from Parkinson’s disease when it is properly managed.To preserve autonomy as long as possible and prevent complications, the consultation works closely with:PhysiotherapistsSpeech therapistsOther specialized professionals An information day to understand and exchange “This event is important because the disease remains poorly known and is often confused with other neurodegenerative conditions. Because 30-minute consultations every three months are not enough to cover all aspects of the disease. Because relatives and caregivers do not always have the opportunity to express their questions or difficulties,” explains Dr. Leclercq.The program included:Thematic sessions led by various speakersClear and accessible explanationsMoments for discussion and Q&AA space for open, stigma-free dialoguePromoting expertise and strengthening connectionsBeyond informing patients and the general public, this day also highlights the expertise of the specialized Parkinson’s consultation:An experienced teamA multidisciplinary approachMastery of advanced therapiesHuman and individualized support for patients and their relativesBecause better understanding the disease already helps to live better with it. And because a well-informed and well-supported patient remains an active participant in their care journey. Together, let’s advance the understanding and management of Parkinson’s diseaseFor any questions, you can contact the neurology consultation secretariat by email at secmed [dot] neuro [dot] erasme [at] hubruxelles [dot] be (secmed[dot]neuro[dot]erasme[at]hubruxelles[dot]be)  Discover the Clinic Dr Vincent Leclercq Neurologist and specialist in movement disorders.