The Hepatogastroenterology Unit applies the latest endoscopic treatment procedures. Examples include Endoscopic Mucosal Resection and Oesophageal, Intestinal, Pancreatic or Bile Duct Stenting. A recently introduced technique is that of Endoscopic Therapy for Gastroesophageal Reflux.

The number of available technical examinations in the Gastroenterology Department continues to expand. Occasionally the dividing line between non-invasive surgery (if this isn’t a contradiction in terms) and invasive endoscopy is very thin indeed. This calls for close collaboration with colleagues in the Digestive Surgery Department.

The frontiers are also continually being pushed in Diagnostics. Several breath tests have been refined in the department. The department also deploys the latest techniques such as High-Resolution Endoscopy and Zoom Endoscopy. The Unit was one of the first in Belgium to introduce Video Capsule Endoscopy. This technology makes it possible to visualise the complete small intestine in a secure and, above all, patient friendly manner.

The Impedancemetry which the department will soon introduce almost exclusively in Belgium, will make it possible to measure not only acid reflux but also other forms of reflux, such as bile reflux.
Unpleasant and lengthy examinations, such as Colonoscopy and exams of the pancreas and bile ducts, can now be conducted under general anaesthetics. This evolution is positive for both patients and doctors.

The unit also disposes of the latest Echoendoscopy equipment, not only for diagnostic purposes, but also for punctures of deeper laying structures, such as the pancreas and mediastinal and abdominal lymph nodes.

Scientific research

The department performs clinical studies, whether or not commissioned by pharmaceutical companies. Additionally it conducts fundamental research in collaboration with the Laboratory for Cell Biology of Professor Geerts of the Medicine and Pharmacy Faculty at the Free University of Brussels. 

Admissions

For most patients their admission to Nursing Unit 44 is of short duration. This is in large part thanks to the dynamism and dedication of the nursing team. The team functions in a well-structured and professional environment, under the excellent leadership of Head Nurse Paul Ceulemans.