Transplantation

Organ transplantation at the H.U.B. is organised transversally per organ and always involving two specialist departments. The Medical Department cares for persons with “organ insufficiencies” while they await a transplant and subsequently provides post-transplant monitoring, most notably managing the anti-rejection treatment and risk of infection. The Surgery Department is responsible for the actual organ removal and transplantation.  

• Responsibility for heart transplants lies with the Cardiac Insufficiency Clinic (cardiology) and thoracic surgery.
• Responsibility for lung transplants lies with pneumology for the medical aspects and with thoracic surgery.
•  Responsibility for liver transplants  lies with gastroenterology for the medical aspects and with the Liver Transplant Clinic (digestive surgery).
• Responsibility for  kidney transplants lies with nephrology for the medical aspects and with the Kidney Transplant Functional Unit (digestive surgery).

Overseeing these 4 transplant units is the Transplant Coordination Cell. This team of specialised nurses manages interaction between the donor centres and Eurotransplant as well as the waiting lists and interactions with the specialist doctors in charge of patients waiting for an organ. In the event of compatibility and agreement, the Cell organises the logistics of the transplant: communication with  the patient, secure transport of the organ, mobilisation of the surgery team, reserving of a room in the operating area, etc.   

The H.U.B. Transplant Department organises the Sympadot, an annual symposium dedicated to the latest progress in organ donation and transplantation. This symposium is for all local coordinators of organ donations within the H.U.B.-ULB network.