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A technical error occurred in our billing system in March, but it is not fraud. Dear patient,A technical error occurred in our billing system in March.You may have received an invoice from Hôpital Erasme with a transfer slip showing the address of our Polyclinique du Lothier. Rest assured, this is not a case of fraud.Your bill can be paid on the account number given. Only the name and address of the beneficiary are incorrect.We apologise for any inconvenience caused.Kind regards,The H.U.B Billing Department

Carlos, an intern with the team at the ZELIG Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Center, supports adolescents and young adults through his own recovery journey Interview with Carlos, a peer support intern at the ZELIG Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Center of the Brussels University Hospital (H.U.B). Peer support, still a developing approach in the field of mental health, is gradually becoming a valuable complement to traditional care. From January to April 2025, Carlos completed his internship as a peer support worker at the ZELIG center (Erasme Medical Center). Here, he shares his enriching experience as part of the team. Young patients, as well as their families, often find it reassuring to speak with someone who has gone through similar experiences Carlos Peer support intern at the ZELIG Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Center Peer Support: A Human and Complementary Approach For those unfamiliar with the concept, can you explain what peer support means in mental health care?To me, peer support is a way of sharing one's own lived experience to support people going through a difficult time with their mental health. The idea is to show that recovery is possible and to offer hope by sharing my journey. In this role, personal experience becomes a valuable therapeutic tool.I discovered ZELIG during my mental health training at the "Plateforme Bruxelloise pour la Santé Mentale" (PBSM), where I am currently completing a peer support training program.The first year of the program focuses on developing insight into one’s lived experience. The second year is more practice-oriented, introducing the role of peer support worker and exploring various topics such as psychiatric conditions, ethics, professional conduct, and active listening.The Challenges and Training of Peer Support WorkersWhat are the main challenges peer support workers face in their daily work?One of the biggest challenges is finding the right place within the team. It’s important to value lived experience alongside the theoretical knowledge of healthcare professionals.This requires a kind of inner work — reminding myself that my journey, as a peer support worker, complements academic knowledge. It’s a shift in perspective that has already taken place at ZELIG, where there is real openness to the value of lived experience.Another challenge is understanding the specific terminology used in mental health care and child and adolescent psychiatry. It can be quite complex and full of acronyms.What kind of training or support is available to address these challenges?Peer support training begins with developing your own recovery narrative. Then, as part of my professional development with PBSM, we receive theoretical courses and take part in intervision sessions — group discussions with other peer support workers and trainers, where we reflect on practical difficulties.These intervisions, along with the support from the ZELIG team, help me adapt and gain a better understanding of the specificities of working in child and adolescent psychiatry.Benefits for Patients and Care TeamsIn your view, what impact does peer support have on the care of adolescents and young adults with early psychotic symptoms, particularly in a setting like ZELIG?The presence of a peer support worker at ZELIG brings a more human dimension to the care process. It adds a complementary approach to traditional medical care, creating space for listening and mutual understanding.Young patients — and their families — often feel reassured when they can talk to someone who has been through similar experiences. It builds a sense of trust, which is essential for recovery.How do young people and their families respond to peer support?The feedback is generally very positive. During interviews and psychoeducation sessions, my presence is often requested, especially when it comes to questions about hope and recovery.Families seem to appreciate hearing a personal story. It helps them better understand what their child or loved one is going through.Do you have any stories you'd like to share?One moment that stands out is a conversation I had with a patient’s father. He asked me how I had changed, and what had made a difference in my recovery.I told him that there was a turning point when I realized that getting better would depend on my own willingness to change certain habits in my life.It’s a powerful message — that personal awareness can mark a key shift in the healing process.Peer Support at the Erasme HospitalIs the Brussels health system well prepared to integrate peer support into care pathways? What would you like to see to encourage this approach?ZELIG is one of the pioneering institutions in Belgium to integrate peer support into its therapeutic model.There is a real willingness from both H.U.B. and ZELIG to promote this practice. But more work is needed to raise awareness across all levels of the institution.Creating informal opportunities for dialogue between healthcare professionals and peer support workers could help build mutual understanding and make it easier to integrate peers into care teams.What changes would help strengthen the role of peer support within H.U.B.?It would be essential to establish an official status for peer support workers within healthcare institutions, especially in the H.U.B. network. This would help recognize the role and ensure its long-term sustainability.In addition, continued awareness efforts targeting decision-makers are important — to demonstrate the benefits of this approach beyond simple budget considerations.Peer support adds real value to the care process, especially from a human perspective.The Future of Peer Support in Mental HealthHow do you see the role of peer support evolving in the future?The development of this role will likely be gradual. Peer support is still emerging, but more and more healthcare professionals are beginning to recognize its potential.That said, some may still have reservations — especially around ethical concerns, such as access to patient medical data.This is a long-term process that will require a change in mindset and in institutional practices, but I remain optimistic about the future.How can people get involved or learn more about peer support?There are training programs available through PBSM and other organizations in Belgium. You can also find information online, including on the PBSM website.And the example of ZELIG shows that it’s possible to get involved in a meaningful way.Peer support should not be seen as an added cost, but as an investment in patient well-being and the quality of care.

The concrete on the façade of the Erasme Hospital needs to be repaired for your safety and that of our teams. Scaffolding has been erected in front of the windows on one of our façades; the work will last from 10 May to 13 June. The concrete on the façade of the Erasme Hospital needs to be repaired for your safety and that of our teams. Scaffolding has been erected in front of the windows on one of our façades; the work will last from 10 May to 13 June.For visitors to the hospital and for consultations, there should be no impact. There will, however, be some inconvenience in certain hospital rooms on certain wards. We are doing everything we can to limit the noise from the site, and a film has been put up on the windows of the rooms concerned to ensure that each patient retains their privacy.Your care team will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

On 27 May in Brussels, the Epikids Neuro Center of the University Hospital of Brussels (H.U.B.) will host a seminar bringing together several leading European and North American specialists. The event will provide an opportunity to review recent advances and current clinical practices in the management of rare, complex, or treatment-resistant forms of childhood epilepsy. Long confined to a strictly symptomatic approach, the management of childhood epilepsy is now undergoing significant changes, driven by advances in fundamental research, improved diagnostic methods, and the emergence of new therapeutic strategies. In Brussels, a seminar will soon bring together several European and North American specialists to review these developments and share clinical practices in the care of complex, rare or treatment-resistant forms of the condition.Professor Christian Korff, paediatric neurologist in Geneva, will open the session with a presentation on the development of new targeted molecules for monogenic and refractory epilepsies. His work, at the crossroads of clinical research and genetics, sheds light on the therapeutic potential of this still largely exploratory field.Neuropsychologist Simon Baijot will offer a complementary perspective, using clinical case studies to illustrate how neuropsychological assessment helps tailor follow-up care and anticipate cognitive vulnerabilities linked to epilepsy.Psychologist Sophie Carlier will explore the behavioural management of children with epilepsy and intellectual disabilities. She will present functional care strategies built around realistic goals and daily integration into the lives of both families and care teams.The surgical approach will be addressed through two contributions. Dr Claudine Sculier will highlight the benefits of early intervention in refractory epilepsy, emphasising both the epileptic and cognitive impact of such a strategy. Dr Sophie Schuind will present the LITT (Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy) technique — a relatively recent option in paediatrics — which enables the precise targeting of epileptogenic lesions with a moderate risk profile.Finally, Professor Cecil Hahn, paediatric neurologist at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, will discuss epileptic seizures in intensive care — often subclinical yet potentially serious if not detected early. A specialist in neuromonitoring and pioneer in continuous EEG, he will review the diagnostic tools and care strategies best suited to these critical contexts.Programme and RegistrationDate: Monday 27 May 2025Time: 08:30 – 12:00Venue: P.-P. Lambert Auditorium,Place Arthur Van Gehuchten 4, 1020 BrusselsThis morning session is intended for general practitioners, paediatricians, neurologists, child psychiatrists, healthcare providers, psychologists, non-profit organisations, journalists, and anyone concerned with current issues in children’s neurological health.📧 Contact and registration: https://www.huderf.be/fr/advancing-care-and-treatment-pediatric-epilepsy 🧠 EpiKids NeuroCenter – H.U.B. https://www.huderf.be/fr/epikids-neuro-center-hub Liens:https://www.erasme.be/fr/services/neuropediatrie-0 https://www.huderf.be/fr/services/neuropediatriehttps://ligueepilepsie.be/Seminaire-EPILEPSIE-PEDIATRIQUE.html Service de Neurochirurgie Neurochirurgie | Hôpital Erasme  

What if our liver could tell the story of our daily life? An interview with Dr. Laura Weichselbaum, Gastroenterologist at H.U.B., who has just published an article on the topic in the Journal of Hepatology Reports. Read more. What if our liver holds the secrets of our everyday life? A discreet but vital organ, the liver is today at the heart of a silent health alert. Dr Laura Weichselbaum recently wrote an article published in “JHEP Reports” (Journal of Hepatology Reports) explaining that alcohol-related liver disease affects disproportionally those populations who are socially and economically disadvantaged. A reality that deserves to be examined with humanity, lucidity... and a sense of collective responsibility.   Risk behaviour related to life circumstancesContrary to what is often thought, it is not about enjoying fine wines or occasional drinking on festive occasions. It is rather habits such as binge drinking coupled with a poor diet, a high body mass index and also heavy smoking that combine to form a dangerous cocktail.   Such risk behaviour is often exacerbated by life circumstances marked by economic and social insecurity, limited access to healthcare and an entourage insufficiently informed of the risks.   “Today, many studies show that given the same alcohol consumption the damage to health is three times as high among disadvantaged people, even when other risk factors such as obesity or smoking are taken into account,”   says Dr Weichselbaum Healthcare inequalities The data show that alcohol-related liver disease is over-represented among disadvantaged populations. This is not necessarily attributable to a higher alcohol consumption but rather to a frequent and simultaneous exposure to a number of risk factors. What is more, when a liver disease develops there is often no screening to detect it at an early stage due to insufficient medical follow-up. “Liver  disease is a silent disease. It is our duty as healthcare staff to be aware of the lifestyle of our patients so as to propose an appropriate  care pathway and possibly suggest screening.”  Act early, act better for a more equitable healthThe good news? It is possible to act:By increasing awareness without blame, so that everyone can understand the risks and warning signs. By proposing a more accessible screening, in particular by making GPs and specialists more aware of the risks associated with socio-economic status. By encouraging the populations concerned to get screened and providing more information on the risks associated with alcohol. And if taxation became a lever for prevention?In some countries certain taxes have been levied to limit alcohol consumption.   “Perhaps we should convince our Belgian decision-makers to impose targeted taxes on alcoholic beverages or drinks designed to encourage binge drinking and thereby limit risk consumption while at the same time financing public health actions.”  Together, let’s look after our livers… Awareness, prevention and screening could avoid sometimes incurable liver disease. “I would remind you that while ideally alcohol consumption should be limited to a minimum, it is recommended not to drink more than 2 glasses a day for women and 3 for men.”   For further information or to schedule an appointment for a liver health screening, please contact the Department of Gastroenterology by email at Cons [dot] GastroMed [dot] erasme [at] hubruxelles [dot] be (Cons[dot]GastroMed[dot]erasme[at]hubruxelles[dot]be) or by phone at +32 (0)2 555 35 04. 

Just one injection keeps your baby safe all winter. Book your appointment today! A campaign to prevent many hospitalisations Every winter, bronchiolitis returns and affects thousands of babies in Belgium. Most recover well, but some develop severe breathing difficulties requiring hospitalisation, sometimes even in intensive care.To protect babies as effectively as possible, the Queen Fabiola University Children’s Hospital (HUDERF) and the Erasme Hospital are organising an immunisation campaign from 1 September to 31 October 2025 for babies born between 19 February and 30 September 2025.What is the difference between vaccination and immunisation?This is not a classic vaccine:A vaccine trains the child’s immune system to produce its own antibodies.Immunisation with monoclonal antibodies (Beyfortus®) directly provides the antibodies needed to protect your baby against the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), the main cause of bronchiolitis.One intramuscular injection is enough to protect your baby for at least five months – covering the entire 2025–2026 winter season.A large international study showed that immunisation reduced hospitalisations by 83% in babies under one year of age.Why protect your baby?Bronchiolitis is highly contagious and spreads through coughs and sneezes.In infants, it can cause:breathing difficulties,feeding problems,and in some cases, hospitalisation.Immunisation significantly reduces this risk and prevents many severe cases.What about babies yet to be born?If your baby is due between September 2025 and January 2026, there are two possible options:maternal vaccination during pregnancy (Abrysvo®, between the 28th and 36th week),or immunisation of the newborn after birth.➝ Only one of these measures is needed to provide effective protection.If your baby is born from February 2026 until the end of the RSV season, immunisation will be administered directly in the maternity ward.And if hospitalisation is necessary?At HUDERF, a specialised unit for infants admits babies with bronchiolitis every year.Parents can stay with their child day and night.In cases of severe respiratory distress, the team uses high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) therapy, a modern and comfortable device that helps babies breathe more easily and often reduces the need for more invasive support.Practical informationWho is concerned? Babies born between 19 February and 30 September 2025.When? From 1 September to 31 October 2025.How? A 10-minute appointment in dedicated paediatric consultations.Protection: a single injection of Beyfortus®, largely reimbursed (only the co-payment remains at the parents’ expense).Special cases:Babies born in October 2025 will automatically receive immunisation in the maternity ward.Children aged 1–2 years are only eligible if they have certain risk factors (severe prematurity, chronic lung disease, congenital heart disease).Book your appointment today HUDERF : 02 477 31 20 – huderf.beHôpital Erasme : 02 555 55 55 – erasme.beApplication MyHUB : prise de rendez-vous en lignePédiatrie Intégrée et Médecine de l'Adolescent | Hôpital Universitaire des Enfants Reine FabiolaUnité Nourrisson | Hôpital Universitaire des Enfants Reine FabiolaEtude anticorps monoclonaux Beyfortus:  The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health 

Contact the H.U.B Endoscopy Clinic You would like to:Make an appointment for an endoscopy at Erasmus Hospital: rendez-vous [dot] Endoscopie [dot] erasme [at] hubruxelles [dot] beMake an appointment for an endoscopy at the Jules Bordet Institute: accueil [dot] endoscopie [at] bordet [dot] beObtain the results of your endoscopy or your patient’s endoscopy at Erasmus Hospital: SecMed [dot] endoscopie [dot] erasme [at] hubruxelles [dot] beObtain the results of your endoscopy or your patient’s endoscopy at the Jules Bordet Institute: micheline [dot] vion [at] hubruxelles [dot] beMake an appointment for a consultation at Erasmus Hospital: ConsGastroMed [dot] erasme [at] hubruxelles [dot] be Endoscopy A minimally invasive technique for your digestive health Endoscopy is a procedure used to make a diagnosis and, if necessary, provide treatment through a minimally invasive approach, using instruments that allow visualization of the inside of the body (an endoscope). It enables examination of the esophagus, stomach, duodenum, small intestine, and colon. Image Image Image The Multiple Uses of Endoscopy It is possible to take tissue samples (biopsies), remove polyps or superficial tumors, treat bleeding, dilate narrowings (strictures), insert stents, treat conditions such as achalasia or diverticula, eradicate precancerous lesions (e.g., Barrett’s esophagus), and treat or prevent complications of cirrhosis (treatment of varices). Some procedures are combined with radiology or ultrasound, making it possible to see beyond the digestive tract and to treat biliary and pancreatic diseases. To Detect or Treat the Problem The H.U.B Endoscopy Clinic brings together all disciplines related to gastroenterology, hepatology, pancreatology, and digestive oncology, and works in close collaboration with the digestive surgery department. Its mission is to offer each patient the best minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic option according to their individual condition. Our Healthcare Services The Endoscopy Clinic offers patients a wide range of examinations at Erasmus Hospital (main site and day hospital) as well as at the Jules Bordet Institute.Depending on the type of examination, sedation or even anesthesia may be offered. A consultation with one of the team’s physicians is always possible before scheduling these procedures.Below is a non-exhaustive list of the main procedures available:Gastroscopy (esophagogastroduodenoscopy): examination of the upper digestive tract.Colonoscopy: examination of the lower digestive tract.Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP or CPRE or CWR ): procedure on the bile ducts or pancreas.Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS): abdominal and/or thoracic exploration using an ultrasound probe brought close to the organs by means of an endoscope.Small bowel video capsule: exploration of the small intestine using a swallowed mini-camera.Enteroscopy: exploration of the small intestine for therapeutic purposes.Functional investigations of the esophagus: esophageal manometry and pH-impedance monitoring.Liver biopsyProctology consultationTo schedule an appointment with our proctology specialists, please contact us by phone at +32 (0)2 555 32 92 or by email at rendez-vous [dot] Endoscopie [dot] erasme [at] hurbuxelles [dot] beA number of other procedures are available and will be discussed on a case-by-case basis after consultation with a member of the gastroenterology team:Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD): removal of superficial tumors (esophagus, stomach, duodenum, colon, and rectum).Cholangioscopy (retrograde or percutaneous): visualization of the inside of the bile ducts: biopsy of a stricture / destruction of stones.Percutaneous cholangiography (CTH): access to and treatment of biliary diseases through the skin when ERCP is not possible.Cystogastrostomy: drainage of a fluid collection/abscess under endoscopic ultrasound.Hepatico-gastrostomy / cholecysto-bulbostomy: drainage of the bile ducts between the left liver and the stomach when ERCP is not possible / drainage of the gallbladder (cholecystitis) under endoscopic ultrasound.Gastrojejunostomy: creation of a connection between the stomach and the jejunum using a stent under endoscopic ultrasound when the duodenum is obstructed.Extracorporeal lithotripsy (ESWL): fragmentation of pancreatic stones by shock waves (treatment of chronic pancreatitis).Treatment of Zenker’s diverticulumPOEM (peroral endoscopic myotomy) for the treatment of achalasia.G-POEM: endoscopic myotomy for the treatment of gastroparesis.Radiofrequency ablation: thermal destruction of dysplasia (Barrett’s esophagus), or under endoscopic ultrasound for small pancreatic tumors.TIPS (Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt): vascular stent placed to relieve problems related to portal hypertension.Treatment of digestive tract strictures by endoscopic dilation.Placement of prostheses or stents (esophageal, esophagogastric, duodenal, colonic) for the treatment of narrowings or fistulas.Obesity treatments: intragastric balloon, endoscopic gastroplasty.Treatment of surgical complications Image A major H.U.B contribution to the new European recommendations on the management of biliary strictures The new recommendations from the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) on the management of biliary strictures have just been published in the journal Endoscopy. The expertise of the H.U.B.’s Digestive Endoscopy Clinic is at the heart of this landmark publication. More info Our Team of Specialists Prof. Arnaud LEMMERS, Head of the Endoscopy ClinicHead of the Digestive Endoscopy Clinic at the Brussels University Hospital (H.U.B)Gastroenterologist, specialized in interventional endoscopyDepartment of Gastroenterology, Erasmus HospitalProf. Arnaud Lemmers specializes in interventional endoscopy (hepato-bilio-pancreatic endotherapy, endoscopic resection of tumors and polyps, treatment of dysplasia and Barrett’s esophagus, management of strictures, fistulas, achalasia, and Zenker’s diverticula).After clinical and endoscopic training with Prof. Jacques Devière’s team at Erasmus Hospital, he spent time in Tokyo in 2015 learning the technique of endoscopic submucosal dissection from Prof. Yahagi. His research, as well as that of his team, covers many aspects of endoscopy, with the aim of further developing minimally invasive patient care. He served as President of the Belgian Society of Digestive Endoscopy (BSGIE) from 2021 to 2024.View Prof. Lemmers’ publications Make an appointment Image Member of the medical team of the Endoscopy Clinic Department members:Prof. Arnaud LemmersProf. Sara Teles de CamposProf. Marianna ArvanitakisDr Michael FernandezConsultants:Prof. Jacques DevièreProf. Pierre EisendrathProf. Vincent HubertyDr Sohaib OuazzaniDr Mariana Figueiredo FerreiraAll these physicians specialize in diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy. Members of the H.U.B Department of Gastroenterology Heads of DepartmentProf. Christophe MorenoProf. Jean-Luc Van LaethemClinic of Pancreatology and Nutritional SupportProf. Marianna ArvanitakisDr. Michael Fernandez Y ViescaDr. Alia HadefiClinic of Intestinal DiseasesProf. Denis FranchimontProf. Leila AmininejadProf. Anneline CremerProf. Claire LiefferinckxDr. Clémence VuckovicClinic of Functional Digestive DisordersProf. Hubert LouisDr. Cagla GulkilicClinic of Hepatology and Liver TransplantationProf. Christophe MorenoProf. Thierry GustotDr. Nathalie BoonProf. Delphine DegréDr. Laura Weichselbaum ConsultantsDr. Vincent BouillonDr. Mélanie BrognetProf. Myriam DelhayeProf. Pierre DeltenreProf. Jacques DevièreDr. Leo DuezProf. Pierre EisendrathDr. Mariana Figueiredo FerreiraProf. Philippe GolsteinDr. Sohaib OuazzaniDr. Thomas SerstéProf. Eric TrepoDr. Haydeh Vafa ZanjaniDepartment of Digestive OncologyProf. Jean-Luc Van LaethemProf. Anne DemolsProf. Francesco SclafaniDr. Ana Maria BucalauDr. France GayDr. Laura MansDr. Rita Saude CondeDr. Gontran VersetAll our physicians specialize in diagnostic endoscopy. The departments we collaborate with Digestive Oncology Lien vers Digestive Oncology Digestive surgery Lien vers Digestive surgery Radiology - Medical Imaging Lien vers Radiology - Medical Imaging Anatomopathology Lien vers Anatomopathology Interventional Radiology Lien vers Interventional Radiology Nuclear Medicine Lien vers Nuclear Medicine Intensive care Lien vers Intensive care Anaesthesiology Lien vers Anaesthesiology Emergencies Lien vers Emergencies Resources & useful links FICHE INFO - Préadmission - Informations de préparation à la colonoscopie - Hôp… FAQ about endoscopy 1. How is an endoscopy performed? Our explanatory sheets for the different procedures are available in the Resources and Useful Links section. 2. Do I need sedation or anesthesia for my endoscopy? Some procedures require sedation or anesthesia depending on the type of intervention, to ensure your comfort, avoid potential pain, or allow more complex procedures. It is best to discuss this with your doctor or schedule a consultation to determine the best option for you (tel: +32 (0)2 555.35.04). 3. How can I get the results of the examination? Please provide the secretariat with the contact details of your treating or referring physician so a copy of the report can be sent to them. A copy is also accessible via the health network. The physician performing your endoscopy will give you immediate information right after the procedure. If biopsies are taken, a follow-up consultation may be offered to review the results. 4. How can I make an appointment for an endoscopy? Your treating physician can write a request for the examination, which allows you to schedule an appointment directly through the secretariat (without anesthesia, Erasmus Hospital +32 (0)2 555.32.92; with anesthesia at the day hospital, Erasmus/Bordet +32 (0)2 555.85.85; without anesthesia at Bordet +32 (0)2 541.37.20). You can also discuss the procedure in consultation with a gastroenterologist beforehand (+32 (0)2 555.35.04). 5. How should I prepare for an endoscopy? For a colonoscopy, the inside of the colon must be clean. Details of colon preparation are available in the Resources and Useful Links section. 6. I take anticoagulants: should I stop them before the endoscopy? The rules for stopping anticoagulants depend on why you take them and the type of endoscopic procedure planned. Discuss this with your doctor. Some information is available in the Resources and Useful Links section. 7. Can I drive after my endoscopy? If sedation or anesthesia is used, you are not allowed to drive afterwards. Please arrange for someone to accompany you home. 8. For a procedure under anesthesia, do I need to see an anesthesiologist? If your endoscopy is scheduled under anesthesia, a prior anesthesia consultation will be proposed. If you have had anesthesia in the past 6 months without new medical issues, a new consultation is not required. Discuss this with your doctor and make sure your previous anesthesia record is available. 9. During the procedure, can I see the inside of my digestive tract? Photos are taken during the endoscopy. At your follow-up gastroenterology consultation, you can request to see these photos and receive explanations from the doctor. 10. How often should I repeat endoscopic exams? The recommended intervals depend on the health issue for which the examination was done. For example, there is usually no reason to repeat a gastroscopy for mild esophagitis for several years. For follow-up after removal of colonic polyps, intervals are also well standardized. Discuss your personal follow-up schedule with your gastroenterologist. Health Issues Managed by the Endoscopy Clinic Colorectal cancer Slow digestion Bile duct diseases (strictures, stones, and leaks) Esophageal dysplasia

Essential screening : every year more than 8,000 Belgians, men and women, are diagnosed with colorectal cancer.  For more than a year now, the teams at the Gastroenterology and Digestive Oncology Department at the Erasmus Hospital and Jules Bordet Institute have been proposing a new fast-track diagnosis for colorectal cancer. This is exclusively for patients showing warning signs, testing positive for the presence of blood in the stools or considered to be high risk. Also, on the occasion of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, on 26 and 27 March a giant colon will be erected in the lobby of the Erasmus Hospital and Jules Bordet Institute. Professionals from our institutions will accompany you as you discover this organ and increase your awareness of the importance of screening for colorectal cancer.   Essential screeningEvery year more than 8,000 Belgians, men and women, are diagnosed with colorectal cancer. In 90 % of cases they are aged over 50. One third of these people will die of the disease because they detected it too late. Yet if detected in time, 90% of colorectal cancers can be cured. Given these reassuring recovery figures, our professionals decided to launch fast-track diagnosis for patients showing warning signs or with a high level of risk. Colonoscopy screening is essential as it makes it possible to identify a colorectal cancer as early as possible, thereby reducing mortality by 50%. In addition to the diagnosis, a colonoscopy is also of therapeutic value as it makes it possible to detect the cancer at an early stage or prevent its occurrence by removing colorectal polyps as well as any very early cancers.   Who are candidates for a colonoscopy?Among the general population, the risk becomes significant after the age of 50. The over-50s can be screened easily by testing for the presence of blood in the stools. This test is proposed by your Region through a personal invitation sent out every two years   (Brussels : www.Bruprev.be; Wallonia : www.ccref.org; Flanders: https://www.cvko.vlaanderen/) If you are considered to be at risk (hereditary mutation such as familial adenomatous polyoposis or Lynch syndrome, personal or family history of colorectal cancer and /or polyps, inflammatory disease of the digestive tube – Crohn’s disease of ulcerative colitis) or if you show warning signs such as an unexplained and lasting change in bowel movements, abdominal pain or unexplained weight loss, you can make an appointment with our professionals who will quickly book a colonoscopy for you. Gastroenterology consultation:Jules Bordet Institute +32 (0)2 541 34 80Erasmus +32 (0)2 555 35 04Screening consultation Jules Bordet Institute (if no symptoms) : +32 (0)2 541 30 00A giant colon to boost public awarenessMarch is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. On this occasion, the Erasmus Hospital and the Jules Bordet Institute will be displaying a giant colon. With health professionals on hand to explain, you can step inside the structure to discover the organ, in 3D, and better understand why and how to protect yourself against colorectal cancer, one of Belgium’s most lethal cancers. Make it a date: Wednesday 26 March between 9 am and 4 pm at the Erasmus Hospital and Thursday 27 March between 9 am and 4 pm at the Jules Bordet Institute.   

To protect the eye health of younger children, consider other options. Risks Excessive screen time can pose several risks to children, both physically and mentally. Spending too much time in front of a screen can lead to eye problems, such as eye strain, and disrupt their sleep cycle, increasing the risk of sleep disorders. Moreover, prolonged screen use can hinder children's social and emotional development by limiting face-to-face interactions and fostering isolation. Additionally, constant exposure to inappropriate or violent content can negatively impact their behavior and psychological well-being. Therefore, it is essential to limit screen time and encourage activities that promote balanced development. Alternatives There are many alternatives to screens that entertain children while stimulating their creativity, motor skills, and social interactions. For example, reading books fosters language development and imagination, while offering a moment of calm. Board games are also an excellent option to strengthen family bonds and promote cooperation or healthy competition. Outdoor activities, such as biking, hiking, or ball games, are ideal for improving physical fitness and spending time in nature. Additionally, creative activities like drawing, painting, or making music help children express their emotions and develop their creative minds. Finally, spending time with other children, whether playing in a park or participating in group activities, enhances their social skills and emotional development. These alternatives are essential to provide a balance between digital activities and those that foster healthy development. Ophthalmology Paediatric ophthalmology

Le service de pédopsychiatrie du H.U.B, actif à la fois sur les sites d’Erasme et de l’Hôpital des Enfants, a été reconnu par l’INAMI comme Centre de Référence Supra-Régional pour les Troubles du comportement alimentaire (TCA) chez les jeunes  de 0 à 23 ans. Troubles du comportement alimentaire chez les jeunes : une prise en charge multidisciplinaire Ce centre innovant offre une approche multidisciplinaire, coordonnée et spécialisée pour les jeunes souffrant d’anorexie, de boulimie ou d’hyperphagie boulimique, tout en assurant un accompagnement renforcé des familles.Dans cette interview, découvrez les spécificités de ce nouveau centre, les bénéfices pour les patients, et les ambitions portées par les équipes du H.U.B. (Hôpital Erasme et Hôpital des Enfants) Notre centre prend en charge toutes les tranches d’âge, du bébé jusqu’à 23 ans, avec une approche multidisciplinaire, adaptée à chaque situation Judith DEREAU Pédopsychiatre, Responsable médicale du Centre ambulatoire TCA (H.U.B) 1. En quoi le Centre TCA que vous dirigez se distingue-t-il dans la prise en charge des troubles du comportement alimentaire chez les jeunes ?Notre centre a la spécificité de prendre en charge toutes les tranches d’âge, du bébé jusqu’à l’âge de transition (23 ans), avec une longue expérience, tant au niveau de la prise en charge somatique des cas graves que psychiatrique. Nous proposons des soins adaptés à chaque situation : consultations spécialisées multidisciplinaires (avec pluralisme des approches, dont la Family-Based Therapy (FBT) et la thérapie multifamilles), ambulatoire intensif, hospitalisations de jour pour les plus jeunes, hospitalisations complètes… y compris pour les formes atypiques comme l’ARFID, qui est un trouble de l'alimentation sélective sans préoccupation du poids ou de l'image corporelle.2. Quelle est la plus-value du trajet de soins mis en place par l’INAMI pour les patients et leurs familles ?La mise en place du "trajet de soins TCA" il y a un an a permis d'offrir aux patients et aux familles une prise en charge plus lisible, coordonnée et mieux soutenue. Cela a renforcé l’accès aux soins et valorisé le travail en réseau. L'INAMI, qui a aussi prévu un soutien régional avec l’extension de l'offre de soins (équipes ambulatoires de soutien de la première ligne et équipes de traitement à temps partiel), vient maintenant compléter ces dispositifs par des centres suprarégionaux, qui seront tant au service des patients et de leurs familles que des professionnels de 1ère et 2ème ligne pour les trajets de soins complexes.3. Que signifie concrètement pour votre équipe d’être reconnue comme centre de référence suprarégional ?C’est une reconnaissance précieuse de notre expertise. Cela va permettre de clarifier les niveaux d'intervention, de donner une visibilité accrue à notre travail et de développer encore notre offre, pour mieux répondre aux besoins des jeunes, de leurs familles et des professionnels qui le demandent. Avec la désignation du centre, nous allons pouvoir renforcer l'équipe avec l'engagement de collègues.4. Quelles sont les prochaines étapes ou ambitions pour ce centre dans les années à venir ?Nous voulons contribuer à améliorer le travail en réseau, la concertation indispensable et la formation des professionnels prenant en charge les troubles des conduites alimentaires, soutenir les collègues au-delà de Bruxelles, et étoffer l'offre de soins, entre autres en y intégrant des pair-aidants dans nos dispositifs.Infos H.U.B : Centre de Référence Supra-Régional pour les Troubles du comportement alimentaire (TCA) chez les jeunes Pédopsychiatrie - Psychiatrie du bébé, de l'enfant, de l'adolescent et du jeune adulte | Hôpital Erasme  Liens: Convention INAMIBruxelles https://tca-bru.be/BWhttp://www.archipelbw.be/initiatives/trajet-de-soins-tca-et-equipe-emas/Luxembourghttps://matilda-lux.be/trajet-de-soins-tca-troubles-des-conduites-alimentaires/Liègehttps://realism0-18.be/trajet-tca/Hainauthttps://www.rheseau.be/___-emas/

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. 

On the occasion of World Obesity Day, Ingrid 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. A personalized and Sustainable Care What is the role of a dietitian in the management of a patient with obesity? How does this differ from that of a nutritionist?The Integrated Obesity Center supports patients who are overweight or living with obesity in their weight loss journey, whether through lifestyle modifications alone or with the help of medication or surgical techniques.My role within the team is to support patients in these three approaches throughout the entire proposed program, aiming for comprehensive and sustainable care.This includes assessing their eating habits, implementing personalized nutritional follow-up adapted to their treatment, providing therapeutic education, and offering motivational support. I work closely with the multidisciplinary team (surgeons, endocrinologists, gastroenterologists, internist, physician nutritionist, and psychologists) to offer a complete and situation-specific approach.To answer your question regarding the approach of nutritionists, it is important to clarify that the term “nutritionist” is not legally protected in Belgium.At the CIO, we are 4 dietitians and we also collaborate with a general practitioner who is a nutritionist. This is important to specify because the term “nutritionist” does not carry much meaning, as it is not protected in Belgium, unlike the title “dietitian.” The title of Dietitian is legally protected and defined by the Royal Decree of February 19, 1997. In addition, accreditation granted by the Federal Public Service for Public Health is mandatory to demonstrate that dietitians meet the required standards to practice (education, internships, continuing professional development, compliance with professional regulations) and to guarantee patients a professional, high-quality service.The physician nutritionist (or holder of the interuniversity certificate in clinical nutrition) has a complementary approach to that of dietitians.At the Integrated Obesity Center, the physician nutritionist mainly addresses the medical and metabolic aspects: making diagnoses and prescribing tests and medical treatments.As a dietitian, I specialize in daily nutritional and micronutritional support. The era of rigid meal plans is over! Our support is designed to be practical, personalized, and applicable to everyday life. This is even more relevant with the arrival of new drug treatments, which require regular monitoring of muscle mass, protein intake, and vitamin and mineral intake.Our goal is to support all patients engaged in weight loss over the long term, help them gradually modify their eating behaviors through concrete and realistic objectives, limit the risk of nutritional deficiencies, overcome barriers, and build a more peaceful relationship with food.How do you adapt dietary advice to different patient profiles?Each patient is unique, which is why adaptation is central to our work. Our patients follow different care pathways and may benefit from medication, an intragastric balloon, or surgery to support weight loss. Management is progressively tailored on a case-by-case basis, including possible texture adaptations, adjustments in portion sizes, and advice to relieve treatment side effects.To personalize care, I consider age, sex, family and social context, eating habits and preferences, level of physical activity, and any associated medical conditions.For adults followed at the CIO, support focuses on daily organization (meal timing, help with menu planning, portion sizes, incorporating moments of physical activity), managing meals at work, understanding hunger and satiety signals, and ensuring long-term sustainability of changes.Advice may also vary according to sex, particularly to account for hormonal differences, life stages such as menopause, and specific individual issues.For patients with comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, or metabolic disorders, I work closely with the medical team to provide targeted, safe, and personalized nutritional recommendations.The objective always remains the same: within the framework of a chronic disease, where the risk of relapse is real regardless of the treatment implemented, to propose adapted, realistic nutrition compatible with daily life in order to promote sustainable changes and improve quality of life.What are the most common dietary obstacles you observe among your patients and how do you help them overcome them?Obesity is recognized as a multifactorial disease linked to overall lifestyle. Dietary obstacles are often multiple and intertwined.On an emotional level, many patients exhibit eating behaviors influenced by stress, fatigue, anxiety, or negative emotions. Collaboration with psychologists is essential here. Our role is to help patients better identify their emotional triggers, for example through a food diary, and to develop alternative strategies.On a social level, professional constraints, irregular schedules, meals eaten on the go, lack of time to cook, and social pressure play a significant role. I support patients by working with them to find practical, realistic solutions adapted to their lifestyle to facilitate daily meal organization.Economic factors are also decisive. Some patients have limited food budgets, which may hinder access to food perceived as healthier. I analyze with them the products they commonly purchase and the stores they frequent to identify healthier yet equally affordable alternatives. I also adapt menus and meal preparation techniques accordingly.Regarding differences between men and women, women seem more often confronted with mental load, emotional management, and guilt related to food, whereas men more frequently face barriers related to large portions, alcohol consumption, or eating out. Due to family organization, many women also appear to have more difficulty establishing regular physical activity.These are, of course, general trends, and each situation remains unique. In all cases, the support aims to identify and gradually overcome these obstacles through a compassionate approach, building concrete, personalized, and sustainable solutions with each patient.Why is weight stabilization often more difficult than initial weight loss?We must never forget that obesity is a chronic disease of adipose tissue. Losing weight is often easier than maintaining it, because the body naturally resists weight loss and seeks to return to its initial balance. This applies to all treatments: lifestyle changes, intragastric balloon placement, medication, and surgery.Stabilization therefore requires long-term support and continuous adaptation. Above all, what matters is preventing health problems related to excess weight, even if many patients will have to grieve the idea of their ideal weight.What misconceptions about nutrition and obesity would you like to dispel among the general public?One only has to read the many malicious comments on social media: obesity is still perceived as a weakness, a lack of willpower. With the arrival of new drug treatments for obesity, I have the impression that this hostility is increasing: people are made to feel guilty, led to believe they are “stealing” medication from diabetics, or that they are seeking an easy solution.In reality, obesity is a chronic, complex, and multifactorial disease influenced by genetic, hormonal, psychological, social, and environmental factors. Reducing it to a statement such as “you just need to move more and eat less” is not only degrading but also medically incorrect.Another misconception is that following a strict diet, receiving injectable treatments, or undergoing surgery would be enough to solve the problem permanently. Since it is a chronic disease, one never truly recovers from it, and any weight loss induced by restrictive techniques will lead to yo-yo effects, frustration, guilt, and, in the long term, weight regain.For this reason, we always prioritize establishing the most balanced and sustainable daily eating habits possible, even if the theoretical ideal weight is not reached. The primary goal is to achieve an overall improvement in health, well-being, and quality of life. Contactez le Centre Intégré de l'Obésité Also read: Treating Obesity in 2026Professor 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. Read more Ingrid Hantson Dietitian accredited by the Federal Public Service for Public Health at the Integrated Obesity Center of H.U.B.