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What is obesity? Being overweight or obese is defined as having an abnormal or excessive accumulation of fat that is harmful to health. The World Health Organisation (WHO) considers that a person is overweight when their body mass index (BMI) is above 25 and is obese when it is equal to or above 30.  In Belgium, 49.3% of the adult population is overweight and 16% of the population is obese. The risk of being overweight or obese increases with age as it applies to one third and one fifth of the population respectively after the age of 35.  It is a public health problem associated with the development of numerous diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes.     Care The Erasmus Hospital Integrated Obesity Centre (CIO)  proposes three care modules for persons who are overweight or obese: intensive coaching, medical interventions (including intergastric balloon or gastric pication) and surgery. Each module is personalised for each patient. As a patient at the CIO you are at the heart of a multidisciplinary team of experts in which you are the key actor in your own care. At each stage you will be accompanied by a team of dieticians, psychologists, endocrinologists, nutritionist doctors, gastroenterologists, surgeons and physiotherapists.    The Integrated Obesity Centre is associated with the Multidisciplinary Obesity Centre for Children located on the HUDERF Campus  that is dedicated to caring for children and adolescents.  These young people receive, on the basis of a medical convention,  multidisciplinary and structured care that is adapted to their needs.    Image Research The treatment of obesity, for adults and children, is constantly evolving.    There are numerous research projects in this area, ranging from theses on dietetics (including in children), physiotherapy, psychology and medicine to drug studies and academic studies. The Integrated Obesity Centre and Multidisciplinary Obesity Centre for Children aim to be at the forefront of research and teaching.   

What is oncofertility? Oncofertility is a medical discipline aimed at preserving the fertility of cancer patients before they begin potentially sterilizing treatments.Why consider fertility before starting cancer treatment?Certain cancer treatments, known as gonadotoxic therapies, can damage the ovaries or testes, leading to a reduction or complete loss of fertility.In girls and young women: This can cause premature ovarian insufficiency (POI).In boys and young women: This can permanently impair sperm production.Therefore, it is essential to address this issue as soon as diagnosis is confirmed, even when treating the disease is urgent. Timely consultation often helps preserve the chances of having a child in the future.The Oncofertility Care Pathway at H.U.BCancer diagnosis receivedReferral to the oncofertility team (by the general practitioner, oncologist, hematologist, pediatrician, etc.)Rapid consultation with our specialized teamAssessment of current fertility and treatment-related risksDiscussion of available optionsImplementation of preservation techniquesPersonalized follow-up after treatment Image A multidisciplinary team by your side At the Brussels University Hospital, a dedicated oncofertility team supports patients throughout their care pathway:Fertility and reproductive specialists (Brussels University Hospital Fertility Clinic)Lead oncologists and hematologistsEndocrinologistsPsychologistsClinical nurse coordinatorsReproductive biologistsWe work in close collaboration with the oncology teams at the Jules Bordet Institute and the pediatric teams at the Queen Fabiola Children's University Hospital (HUDERF) to ensure therapeutic priorities are respected while integrating fertility preservation whenever possible.Our specialists Image Dr. Margherita CONDORELLI  Languages: French, Italian, English Prendre rendez-vous Image Dr. Isabelle DEMEESTERE Languages: French, english Prendre rendez-vous Image Dr. David PENINGLanguages: French, Dutch, English Prendre rendez-vous What options are available for fertility preservation? For Girls / Young Women1. Oocyte Cryopreservation (Egg Freezing)Target Audience: Post-pubertal young women (who have started their periods).Procedure: Following hormonal stimulation lasting approximately ten days (similar to an in vitro fertilization protocol), the ovaries produce multiple oocytes. These are then retrieved via ultrasound-guided needle aspiration under light anesthesia and subsequently cryopreserved.Feasibility: Possible if the initiation of cancer treatment can be deferred by 2 to 3 weeks.2. Embryo CryopreservationTarget Audience: Of-age young women in a stable relationship or with a partner, wishing to create embryos.Procedure: Following ovarian stimulation, the retrieved oocytes are fertilized with the partner's (or a donor's) sperm to create embryos, which are then cryopreserved.Key Consideration: Requires a clearly defined, mutual parental project.3. Ovarian Tissue CryopreservationTarget Audience: Pre-pubertal girls or young women for whom hormonal stimulation is contraindicated or not feasible.Procedure: A minor surgical procedure (typically laparoscopy) is performed to biopsy or remove part of an ovary. This tissue is then cryopreserved. It can later be autotransplanted to restore natural ovarian function or enable pregnancy.Advantage: Can be performed on very short notice, without waiting for the menstrual cycle.4. Ovarian Suppression During ChemotherapyTarget Audience: Post-pubertal young women.Procedure: Medications known as GnRH agonists (Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone analogues) are administered to induce a temporary medical menopause, effectively putting the ovaries "at rest" during treatment. This is not a standalone fertility preservation method but can help mitigate gonadotoxic damage.Limitations: Less effective than cryopreservation techniques, but serves as a useful adjuvant therapy. For Boys / Young Men1. Sperm Cryopreservation (Semen Banking)Target Audience: Post-pubertal young men.Procedure: Prior to commencing treatment, one or more semen samples are collected (via masturbation) and subsequently cryopreserved.Advantage: Simple, rapid, and non-invasive. Cryopreserved sperm can be stored long-term for several years.2. Testicular Tissue CryopreservationTarget Audience: Pre-pubertal boys (who do not yet produce mature spermatozoa).Procedure: A minor surgical biopsy is performed to extract a small piece of testicular tissue containing spermatogonial stem cells. This tissue is then cryopreserved for future clinical use.Current Status: This method is currently classified as experimental but holds significant promise, particularly for very young patients.Selecting the Appropriate OptionThe clinical decision depends on several variables:The patient’s age and pubertal statusThe specific diagnosis and type of cancerThe clinical urgency to initiate oncological treatmentThe preferences and wishes of the child/adolescent and their familyPotential medical contraindicationsOur multidisciplinary team is here to support you at every stage, explaining the available options, answering your questions, and coordinating care to ensure the timeliest management possible. complementary information Contact Are you about to start a potentially gonadotoxic treatment? Are you unsure whether your treatment could impact your fertility?Contact our Oncofertility specialists by phone without delay!To arrange a sperm cryopreservation for a patient, please contact us by phone at +32(0)2 555 31 95.For any additional, non-urgent inquiries, you can contact us by email at Oncofertilite [dot] FIV [at] hubruxelles [dot] be (Oncofertilite[dot]FIV[at]hubruxelles[dot]be.)

What is egg donation? Egg donation has existed at Erasme Hospital since 1984 and has enabled thousands of women worldwide to become mothers. In Belgium, under the law on Medically Assisted Reproduction (MAR), requests are accepted up to the age of 45, and donation procedures can be carried out until the age of 47.In which cases am I concerned?Egg donation is proposed when infertility is due to very low egg quality despite the presence of menstrual cycles (ovarian insufficiency or failure), or when the ovaries no longer contain follicles and no longer function (menopause).Some patients choose egg donation to avoid transmitting a genetic disease to their offspring.Who are the donors?Women who voluntarily present themselves at Erasme or the Gametia egg bank.Women motivated by a close relative or friend in need of egg donation, who agree to donate their eggs to the Erasme MCH bank. The eggs, obtained after ovarian stimulation, are anonymously allocated to several women with the same indication. Their relatives may receive several anonymous consecutive donations. This is known as cross donation.Any woman requiring egg donation may register on a waiting list. However, most prefer to bring their own donor to reduce waiting time and costs and increase success rates.Directed donationDirected donation is also possible at the Fertility Clinic of Erasme Hospital. In this case, you receive eggs exclusively from your donor (sister, friend, cousin), when access to genetic origins is important to you.Anonymous donationAccording to Belgian law, anonymity is permanent. Even as an adult, the child will not be able to access the donor’s identity.Couples choose anonymous donation to clearly define the donor’s role and avoid biological or relational ties.Anonymous cross donation also allows repeated access to donated eggs, increasing pregnancy chances compared to directed or simple anonymous donation.Physical characteristics are recorded to ensure appropriate donor–recipient matching. Medical services Psychological assessment and supportDonor criteriaAnonymous donors: 20–34 years oldDirected donation: up to 38 years old, with at least one childMedical assessmentEvaluation of ovarian reserve (blood test and ultrasound)Gynecological assessment and explanation of treatmentGenetic consultation to exclude transmissible genetic disordersFor anonymous donation, all donors undergo carrier screening (over 1,000 rare but serious genetic conditions), also offered to recipient couples. This test is costly and requires 2–4 months.Belgian law requires a mandatory psychological interview prior to gamete donation to ensure motivation, informed consent, and absence of coercion.At least one psychological consultation is required, with optional ongoing support during treatment, pregnancy, or after birth.Treatment and success ratesDonors undergo controlled ovarian hyperstimulation similar to standard IVF cycles.Recipients receive estrogen and progesterone to prepare the endometrium. Treatment continues for three months if pregnancy occurs.Increasing scientific evidence supports embryo transfer in natural ovulatory cycles. In this case, embryos are frozen and transferred five days after ovulation.Pregnancy rates per attempt are generally higher than in conventional IVF. The main determining factor is donor age.What support is available?Psychological support addresses emotional distress related to infertility and MAR, while encouraging reflection focused on the future child.Specialized fertility psychologists work closely with gynecologists to provide comprehensive multidisciplinary care.Questions regarding disclosure to relatives and to the child receive particular attention.Fertidata A national Belgian application managed by Sciensano that limits the number of families per donor to six. Advice Anonymous cross donation offers the highest chance of pregnancy at lower cost but requires openness about infertility and acceptance of non-genetic parenthood. Our medical-psychological team can guide you through this process Focus Collaboration with Gametia egg bankPartnerships with Cryos and FertibankCompensation is provided to cover travel expenses and the consultation time required for the assessment and ovarian stimulation. Scientific research Embryo transfer in natural cyclesStudy on progesterone-induced endometrial luteinization without waiting for ovulation peak (Dr Amirgholami- Prof Delbaere)  Our specialists Cross egg donation is performed exclusively at Erasme in Belgium.Genetic matching available via Begecs.Associated ServicesAdministrative Contact: Linda GouinDepartment of Gynecology and ObstetricsPr. Anne DELBAEREPr. Fabienne DEVREKERDr. Soraya AMIRGHOLAMIDr. Catherine HOUBADr. Caroline LECOCQ PsychologistsDepartment of GeneticsGeneticists:Pr. Guillaume SMITSPr. Isabelle VANDERNOOTDr. Sandra COPPENSGenetics Supervisors:Adeline BUSSON  Marie-Laure GRENET  Marie BRUNEAUAlice LE MORILLON 

Our role Ophthalmology is the medical speciality concerned with the eyes. Our aim is to improve visual health and treat eye disease. Image "Our care is comprehensive: from screening to medical and/or surgical treatment. The academic aspect is and must remain central. We have doctors who are experts in modern treatments designed for all stages of life."  Our specialities The Ophthalmology Department is subdivided into a number of elements: The Orbito-Palpebro-Lacrymal and Onco-Ophthalmology Clinic is concerned with problems of the eye socket, eyelids, tear glands and ducts as well as with the orbital mass.    The Glaucoma Clinic is recognised nationally for its expertise; patients are referred to this clinic from throughout Belgium. The Paediatric Ophthalmology Clinic prevents, screens for and treats eye problems in children.  Examples: refraction problems (myopia, hypermetropia and astigmatism), strabism, amblyopia, eye development anomalies, infectious diseases, etc. Corneal medical treatment proposes a range of treatment to stabilise and/or treat degenerative or progressive diseases on the surface of the eye. Corneal surgery is fast developing and carries out all available cornea grafts. Refractive surgery seeks to dispense with optical corrections such as spectacles or contact lenses.    Retinal medical treatment is concerned with pathologies such as age-associated wet or dry macular degeneration (AMD). Retinal surgery is used, for example, to correct detached retinas or to place or change intraocular transplants, etc. Neuro-ophthalmology treats disorders of the optic nerves and all the various ocular disorders associated with a neurological pathology (SEP, stroke, brain tumour, etc.) Some diseases (diabetes, tuberculosis, Sjögren's syndrome, etc.) can affect the eyes and threaten vision. This is why the Ophthalmology Department cooperates with other departments such as endocrinology, rheumatology, paediatrics, haematology, etc.  Our team Image Our medical specialists Research The ophthalmologists at the Erasmus Hospital carry out clinical studies and fundamental research, on: vitreoretinal proliferation, in collaboration with the ULB's Laboratory of Physiopathological and Nutritional Biochemistry (LBPN);cornea cells, in collaboration with the Jules Bordet Institute's Cell Therapy Laboratory. Focus Every year the Ophthalmological Department carries out approximately 2,000 intravitreal injections. This type of treatment can be indicated to treat age-related macular degeneration (AMD), retinopathies associated with diabetes, intraocular inflammation, etc.  Publications Lien vers Neuro-Ophthalmological Manifestations in Children with Down Syndrome: Current Perspectives Auteurs : Lavinia Postolache 1, Anne Monier 2, Sophie Lhoir 1Journal : Eye Brain 2021 Jul 21;13:193-203. doi: 10.2147/EB.S319817. eCollection 2021. 10 August 2023 Lien vers Intense Pulsed Light Therapy in the Treatment of Dry Eye Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Auteurs : Demolin L, Es-Safi M, Soyfoo MS, Motulsky E.Journal : J Clin Med. 2023 Apr 21;12(8):3039. doi: 10.3390/jcm12083039.PMID: 37109374 10 August 2023 Lien vers Experimental Models to Study Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy. Auteurs : Datlibagi A, Zein-El-Din A, Frohly M, Willermain F, Delporte C, Motulsky E.Journal : Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Feb 24;24(5):4509. doi:  10.3390/ijms24054509.PMID: 36901938 10 August 2023 Lien vers Visual field defects and retinal nerve fiber layer damage in buried optic disc drusen: a new insight. Auteurs : Nana Wandji B, Dugauquier A, Ehongo A.Journal : Int J Ophthalmol. 2022 Oct 18;15(10):1641-1649. doi: 10.18240/ijo.2022.10.12. eCollection 2022. PMID: 36262850 10 August 2023

A generous act that saves lives and has a considerable impact on the lives of many patients. Did you know that a single organ donor saves the lives of many patients and improves the lives of dozens of others? Donating a vital organ such as the heart, lungs, liver or kidneys saves the lives of patients in organ failure. Donating tissues such as the cornea, skin, bones and blood vessels, while not life-saving, is a significant improvement. Unfortunately, demand often exceeds supply and many patients are desperately waiting for a transplant. Donating organs and tissues is an altruistic act that has a considerable impact on the lives of many patients.

Management Committee The Board of Directors of the University Hospital of Brussels (H.U.B.), a grouping of the Jules Bordet Institute, the Erasmus Hospital and the Queen Fabiola's Children's Hospital, is the supreme executive authority. The General Management, General Medical Management and all the Directors meet within this Board of Directors twice monthly. By giving priority to consultation and the participation of the various departments in making day-to-day decisions, the Board of Directors favours collective decision-making. The multidimensional nature of most of the subjects discussed is also taken into account. All the departments are subsequently able to ensure that all information on life at the hospital is communicated in full. COMPOSITIONGeneral ManagementM. R. WITMEURGeneral Medical ManagementPr J-M. HOUGARDYGeneral Management  Deputy - Campus AnderlechtM. S. GOUGNARDGeneral Management  Deputy - Campus LaekenMrs A. GROSWASSERFinancial ManagementM. P. DOMINEDirection Nursing DepartmentMrs N. VANBOSSUYTManagement of the Physiotherapy service – Paramedical RepresentativeMr E. BRASSINNEDirector of Information Systems & Infrastructure DepartmentsM. J. ROSSLERDirector of Communication DepartmentMevr. F. MEEUSHuman Ressources ManagementMrs A. DE PERMENTIERRepresentative of the Faculté de MédecinePr P. WAUTHYLast update: 22/01/2026 Medical Board President:Sylvie TenoutasseVice-presidents:Jean-Corentin SalengrosTurgay TunaAline VuckovicSecretary:To be definedBoard members:Olivier De WitteMichael Fernandes Y ViescaMembers:Laurence BuisseretMartin DuboisDiane FranckGéraldine GebhartEric HawauxMartial Kalisa RuzindazaAudrey MoureauMarie VercruyssenNicolas YinSecretariat : Delphine RaesMail : cmc [at] hubruxelles [dot] beTél. : 02 555 32 13 Management Board Medical Management Board COMPOSITIONDirector-General for Medical AffairsProf. J-M. HougardyChief Medical Officer and Deputy Medical DirectorProf. J. CréteurChief Medical Officer and Deputy Medical DirectorDr C. SpilleboudtChief Medical Officer and Deputy Medical DirectorProf. J-C. BeghinDeputy Medical DirectorProf. P. SmeestersRepresentative of the Faculty of MedicineProf. P. WauthyAcademic Director for EducationProf. F. VandergheynstDirector of the Physiotherapy Department and Representative of ParamedicsMr E. BrassinneDirector of the Nursing DepartmentMs N. VanbossuytLast update: 04/02/2026

Our role Orthopaedics is the medico-surgical discipline concerned with pathologies of the musculoskeletal system (skeleton, muscles, tendons, etc.). These pathologies or injuries can be of traumatic, infectious, constitutional (malformation, sequelae, etc.) or degenerative (ageing) origin. Most of our therapeutic activity is surgical.   Image Our specialities The Erasmus Hospital's Orthopaedics-Traumatology Department covers a number of structures: The Hip, Pelvis and Infectious Diseases Clinic has a number of subspecialities and recognised areas of expertise, notably: Hip replacement that can be on an outpatient basis, the patient leaving the hospital on the same day as the operation. The department is also reputed for revision surgery and complex hip replacement.  The Orthopaedic Infectious Disease Clinic proposes multidisciplinary consultations to treat infections of the bones and joints (e.g. infected prostheses). The Upper Limb Clinic is concerned with pathologies of the shoulder, wrist or hand, with the emphasis on minimally invasive procedures (e.g. percutaneous surgery of the carpal tunnel). The Foot and Knee Clinic also includes the Sports Clinic that is dedicated to injuries suffered when engaging in physical acidity or playing a sport.  The Orthogeriatric Unit, co-managed with the Geriatrics Department, treats persons aged 75 and over who, in addition to an orthopaedic injury (fractured hop, for example) suffer from other pathologies. The Pathologies of the Plexus and Peripheral Nerves Unit (see Focus).The Paediatric Surgery and Scoliosis Clinic straddles the Erasmus Hospital and the HUDERF.   The Erasmus Hospital is accredited as a Level 1 Trauma Center for the multidisciplinary care of severe traumas (accidents in the home, road accidents, etc.). The department is specialised in treating diverse traumas   (pelvis, acetabulum, complex fractures).The Musculoskeletal Tumours Clinic, in cooperation with the Bordet Institute.Medical appraisal – necessary to obtain compensation or recognition of a disability – concerns the assessment of the physical sequelae of traumas (accidents in private or professional life) or degenerative pathologies.   Our team Image Our specialist doctors Focus The Pathologies of the Plexus and Peripheral Nerves Unit treats pathologies of the brachial and lumbosacral plexus and peripheral nerves, in cooperation with doctors-physiotherapists, neurologists and neuropaediatricians. Surgical intervention and appropriate re-education can correct or compensate for these injuries – of traumatic, inflammatory or obstetrical origin – and their sequels that can induce paralysis, contractures and malposition of the limbs.    Research The Erasmus Hospital Orthopaedics Department cooperates in particular with the ULB's  Anatomy Laboratory on fundamental research projects in the field of biomechanics and biokinetics and with spin-offs for cell therapy experimentation (for consolidating bones and cartilage in particular.