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Our role Endocrinology is the medical speciality concerned with the hormones secreted by the various endocrine glands:  the pituitary gland, the thyroid gland, the parathyroid gland, the adrenal glands, the pancreas, the ovaries and the testicles.  Diseases of the endocrine glands are either a hormonal malfunctioning (excessive or insufficient production of one or more hormones) or tumours, usually benign.  Image Image Image Image We always seek to provide an optimal treatment for every patient. To do so, we work in close cooperation with numerous medical or surgical specialities. Professor Bernard Corvilain head of the Endocrinology Department at the Erasmus Hospital Our specialities The Erasmus Hospital Endocrinology Department provides general and specialised consultations depending on the gland in question:   The Diabetology ClinicThyroid pathologies such as hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, goiter and thyroid nodules (cf Focus). In the case of thyroid cancer the treatment is organised in conjunction with specialist doctors from the Jules Bordet Institute.   Pituitary pathologies  are principally adenomas (tumours) that can secrete too many hormones and/or impede the proper functioning of the gland or lead to the compression of adjacent anatomical structures. The treatment sometimes takes the form of neurosurgery.    Adrenal gland pathologies: adrenal insufficiencies (Addison’s disease, congenital adrenal hyperplasia), corticosteroid hypersecretion syndrome (Cushing syndrome, hyperandrogenism),  tumours of the adrenal medulla, etc. In the case of malignant tumours the multidisciplinary treatment is organised in conjunction with specialists from the Jules Bordet Institute.   Hyperandrogenism, frequently associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), is treated in cooperation with  gynaecologists and dermatologists from the H.U.B. Pathologies of the calcium and phosphate metabolism. The treatment of hyper- and hypocalcemia – and of their possible consequences for the skeleton and kidneys – is organised in conjunction with rheumatologists and nephrologists from the H.U.B. Male and female hypogonadism : Turner’s and Klinefelter’s syndrome are treated in cooperation with gynaecologists and urologists from the H.U.B. The transition consultation concerns young adults with an endocrine pathology that began in childhood and is designed to ensure that optimal follow-up continues into adulthood. An endocrinologist from the Erasmus Hospital meets the young patient (and their parents) and the treating child endocrinologist from the HUDERF prior to transition to adult endocrinology at the Erasmus Hospital.    The Endocrinology Departments at the Erasmus Hospital and the HUDERF children’s hospital are recognised as a European expert centre in treating rare endocrine diseases that are sometimes of genetic origin.   Our team Image Our specialist doctors Focus The  (para)thyroid nodule diagnostic unit provides a weekly joint consultation with doctors specialised in endocrinology, radiology and nuclear medicine. Patients meet with these specialists in succession at the same place and during the same morning or afternoon for the purposes of diagnosis (ultrasound, scintigraphy scan and/or bone density scan) and a proposed treatment.      Research The diabetes and obesity investigation clinic, headed by Professor Mirian Cnop, supervises a number of fundamental, translational and clinical research projects on various types of  diabetes.   

What is endometriosis? The endometrium is a tissue that lines the cavity of the uterus that potentially houses an embryo and that is evacuated during menstruation. It sometimes happens that tissue resembling the endometrium grows outside the cavity of the uterus, into the ovaries,  the rectovaginal space, bladder or intestines, etc. This is the condition known as endometriosis.    While some patients show no symptoms, most experience pain, sometimes very severe pain, in the area of the (lower) abdomen or back, either during or between periods, during sexual relations or when urinating etc. Endometriosis can be the source of fertility problems, chronic fatigue, addiction to painkillers, absenteeism from school or work, etc. It can also cause major psychological stress, especially when patients consult and suffer discomfort for several years without being correctly diagnosed and treated.     Treatment The H.U.B Endometriosis Clinic offers global and multidisciplinary care.   The first consultation: You and the gynaecologist first note your symptoms, your antecedents and any medication you may be taking (including contraceptives). The doctor then undertakes a meticulous gynaecological medical examination, followed by an endovaginal ultrasound.   Additional examinations: The gynaecologist can also prescribe a pelvic MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan. However, neither the MRI nor the endovaginal ultrasound always show everything. In some cases a laparoscopy is needed. This surgical intervention, used for both diagnosis and treatment, involves inserting a tiny camera and surgical instruments through an incision in the abdomen of just 1 cm. Identified endometriosis lesions   are removed or destroyed. Medical treatment is generally the first treatment option. The menstrual cycle is rested using a hormonal contraceptive, chosen according to your profile and preferences.   Surgical treatment involves “burning” or removing the endometriosis lesions by means of a conventional (laparoscopy) or robotic (see Focus) technique that is minimally invasive.   Other treatment: The clinic also proposes consultations in psychology and sexology to help you manage the potential impact of the endometriosis on your mental health and/or intimacy.   Shiatsu (therapeutic massage technique) sessions are also proposed.    The Endometriosis Clinic collaborates with  the Fertility Clinic, the Medical Imaging Department and H.U.B’s Multidisciplinary Centre for Pain Evaluation and Treatment.  Advice Certain lifestyle changes can improve endometriosis symptoms. It is therefore recommended to:      take regular exercise ; adopt an anti-inflammatory diet that limits foods likely to increase endometriosis pain (typically fermented foods);   make an intelligent use of painkillers, in appropriate doses at the right time.    Focus The H.U.B Endometriosis Clinic has a Da Vinci® robot with a dual console. This makes it possible not only to reach lesions where access is difficult but also to operate with four hands. Depending on the location of the endometriosis lesions, the gynaecologist operates with the urologist or specialist in digestive surgery.  Research The H.U.B Endometriosis Clinic participates in clinic trials  to find new treatment and in fundamental research projects to arrive at a better understanding of the causes  – in particular environmental – of the disease.    Our specialists Gynaecology - ObstetricsEndometriosis specialists : M Fastrez, K Crener, L Imperiale, C Vanneste, C Soria, M ZingarelliImaging specialists : R Lejeune, G GarofaloFertility specialists : I Demeestere, A Delbaere, C HoubaUrology : T QuackelsMedical imaging : A Massez, M SyNuclear medicine : I VierasuAnatomopathology : JC NoëlAlgology : N Van Cutsem, T TunaParamedicalAdministrative coordination : S HecqPsychologist : A CailleauxSexotherapist : G Van BraekelPhysiotherapist : R GarnirShiatsu practitioner : P HaassNurses :Surgical area : F DelsaHospitalisation : A DosseConsultation : E Chasseriaud, P GosselinResearch nurse : F Henry Associated services

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.

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