European Centre of Expertise

The UZ Brussel is also the European Centre of Lymphatic Surgery.

Patients can come here for complex and new techniques in microsurgery. Thanks to these microsurgical techniques, many patients can achieve a significant improvement in their quality of life. The aesthetic aspect for the patient is also given due attention.

The European Centre for Lymph Node Surgery also organises symposia and surgical days to strengthen scientific cooperation with other international lymphoedema centres.

Extensive experience in new techniques

Vascularised lymph node transfer (Vascularised Lymph Node Transfer or VLNT) to the axilla to treat lymphoedema after breast cancer as a combination with free flap breast reconstruction (Deep Inferior Epigastric Artery Perforator or DIEP flap) has been practised since 2006 by Professor  Moustapha Hamdi, Head of Department of Plastic Surgery.

A new care approach has been developed to cater for the large number of lymphoedema patients. To this end, surgeons such as Professor Assaf Zeltzer and Dr Seidenstucker were recruited and the European Centre for Lymph node Surgery was established in 2016. Professor  Alexandru Nistor was appointed coordinator of the Lymphoedema Clinic in 2022.

As a result, patients can come to the UZ Brussel for complex and new techniques in microsurgery. They can also follow physiotherapy treatments and evaluation consultations with Professor  Nele Adriaenssens there.

The Lymph Clinic is focusing on a multidisciplinary approach to lymphoedema. Specialists from physiotherapy, physical medicine, vascular surgery, radiology and plastic surgery, among others, work closely together to provide patients with the best possible treatment.